
TRANSACTIONS 

OP T II 8 

loddg of (Ealifoiniit Wxmtm. 

JANUARY 1st to >rAY 7th, 1863. 
PART I; VOLUME II. 

PUBLISHED PERIODICALLY BY ORDER OF JHE SOCIETY. 






SAN F R A X C I < C : 

PRINTED AT THE ALTA CALIFORNIA BOOK AND jr.n r,riTCE 

18 6 3. 



\ 




TRANSACTIONS 



OF THE 



mtiis of ^alifontia Wmum. 



& 



JANUARY 1st to MAY 7th, 1863. 



PART I, VOLUME II. 



PUBLISHED PERIODICALLY BY ORDER OF THE SOCIETY. 




SAN FRANCISCO: 

PRINTED AT THE ALTA CALIFORNIA BOOK AND JOIJ OFFICE 

1863. 



;- 



Entered according to Act of Congress, In the year eighteen hnndred and sixty-three, by 

AuTHUu B. Stout, J. O. Eaui,, and A. G. Eandai.i,, 

In the Clcrk'8 Office of the District Court of United States, for the Northern District of Californin. 



V^ 



// 



SEAL OF THE SOCIETY. 




ADOPTED MAY 5tli, 1863 



PREFACE. 



The object of the Society of California Pioneers in commencing 
the publication of its Transactions for the use of its members was 
not alone retrospective. Its most essential intention was to aid and 
encourage the future progress and prosperity of the Society. As 
it was deemed necessary to amend the Constitution of the Society 
to conform to the legislative Act of Incorporation, so does it now 
become incumbent to harmonize the action of the Society there- 
with, by assuming a more literary spirit, and by the diffusion of the 
ample literary resources it will in the future acquire. Indispensa- 
ble it certainly was to restore and preserve the records of the past, 
yet more essential, and animating, it appeared to the advocates of 
the measure, to prepare a recipient for the harvests which the 
future promises, just as the morning Hght is more vivifying to 
the verdure of the earth than are the rays of the evening sun. 
The Publication Committee have been actuated by these consider- 
ations, and therefore have not hesitated to commence the publica- 
tion of the Transactions with the latest proceedings of the Society. 
AH the back records to January 1st, 1863, will form the first vol- 
ume, and will appear either in separate numbers or together in a 
bound volume, as circumstances and the state of the finances wiU 
permit. In either case, some obscurity in regard to the first organ- 



STANDING COMMITTEES FOR 1863. 



NTatural History. 

ARTHUR B. STOUT, M.D., 

G. WETZLAR, 

J. H. GARDINER. 

T*liyslcal Gcogx'apliy. 

A. D. PIPER, 
THOMAS TENNENT. 

iPolitical Hlstoi'y. 

J. S. HITTELL, EUGENE LIES, 

W. B. FARWELL, J. W. DWINELLE, 

JOSEPH W. WINANS. 

^ I» XI ■plication. 

ARTHUR B. STOUT, M.D., 

J. 0. EARL, 

A. G. RANDALL. 

©peolal ComTTiittee on Leottiroe. 

C. R. BOND, 

E. H. WASHBURN, 

ARTHUR B. STOUT., M.D. 



©uttei* Testlnaonlal X^xind. 

S. R. HARRIS, J. R. SNYDER, 

A. G. ABELL, H. M. GRAY, 

S. BRANNAN, 0. P. SUTTON, 

P. A. ROACH, WM. L. DUNCAN, 

I* la o t o g: x» a p li s-i . 

A. B. PERKINS, A. D. PIPER. 

"Visiting:. 

S. R. HARRIS, ANNIS MERRILL, 

C. H. HARRISON, H. KIMBALL, 

N. HOLLAND. 

S p e o i a 1 H 11 i 1 cl i 11 g: C o m in i 1 1: e e . 

WILLARD B. FARWELL, S. BRANNAN, 
PETER DONAHUE, ALEX. G. ABELL, 

BENJAMIN O. DEVOE. 



CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATIOj^. 



State of California, 

City and County of San Francisco. 

To all ivhom these presents may concern : 

We, Stephen R. Harris, Joseph G. Eastland, and Charles H. 
Harrison, residents of the city and county of San Francisco, and 
State of California, members of the Society of California Pioneers, 
and judges holding the election hereinafter mentioned, do hereby 
certify that, on the seventh day of July, in the year of our Lord 
one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a meeting of the mem- 
bers of the said Society, which was not yet incorporated, but was 
intending and seeking so to be, pursuant to an act of the Legisla- 
ture of the said State, entitled "An Act concerning Corporations," 
passed April the twenty-second, a. d. 1850, and the amendment of 
said act, passed April the eighth, a. d. 1862, was holden, agree- 
ably to public notice, for the purpose of electing officers thereof, 
and accomplishing the purposes of such incorporation. 

That at such meeting, after the same had been duly organized, 
Henry M. Gray presidmg, and WiUiam R. Wheaton acting as 
Secretary thereof, Owen P. Sutton was duly elected President ; 
Richard Chencry, Ephraim W. Leonard, James Lick, Lewis Cun- 
ningham, and Joseph W. Winans, Vice-Presidents ; William L. 
Duncan, Secretary ; John H. Turney, Treasurer ; and Horace 
Hawes, J. PL Widber, J. E. do la Montagnie, John 0. Earl, W, 
K. Van Alen, J. H. Stearns, and William Henry Tiffanj^, Direct- 
ors of the said Society, for the term of one year from the seventh 
day of July, a. d. one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two. 

That the said Directors, and the said Owen P. Sutton, President, 
William L. Duncan, Secretary, and John H. Turney, Treasurer, 



10 

were duly elected a Board of Directors, ten in number, for the 
said term, to take charge of tlic estate and property belonging 
thereto, and to transact all affairs relative to the temporalities and 
business thereof; and that we, the said Stephen R. Harris, Joseph 
G. Eastland, and Charles II. Harrison, judges of the said election, 
having been duly appointed, upon canvassing all the votes polled 
thereat, and finding that said officers had been duly elected, and 
constituted the said Board of Directors, did thereupon return them 
as such. 

And we further certify that said election was fairly and legally 
conducted, and in strict conformity with the rules and regulations 
of said Society ; and further, it is hereby specified : 

That the name by which said corporation shall and desires to be 
forever hereafter called and known is " The Society of California 
Pioneers; '' 

That it is designed to be, and is, a moral, Ijencficial, literary, and 
scientific association, and that its objects are : 

To cultivate social mtercourse, and form a more perfect union 
among its members, and create a fund for charitable purposes in 
their behalf; 

To collect and preserve information connected with the early set- 
tlement and subsequent conquest of the country ; 

To form such libraries and cabinets, and to pursue such literary 
and scientific objects as the said Board of Directors may from time 
to time determine, and in all appropriate matters to advance the 
interests and perpetuate the memory of those whose sagacity, en- 
ergy, and enterprise induced them to settle m the wilderness, and 
become the founders of a new State. 

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and affixed 
our seals, this twenty -first day of January, a. D. 1863. 

S. R. HARRIS, [l. s.] 

JOS. G. EASTLAND, [l. s.] 
C. 11. HARRISON, [l. s.] 

Filed in the office of the County Clerk of the city and county 
of San Francisco, this twenty-eighth day of January, a. d. 1863. 
WASHINGTON BARTLETT, Clerk. 
By W.M. Hakxky, Deputy Clerk. 



CONSTITUTION 

OF THE * 

SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA PIONEERS. 

Organized August, 1850 : Amended May 4th, 1863. 



ARTICLE I. 



This Society shall be called and known as the " Society of 
California Pioneers." It is designed to be, and is, a moral, 
benevolent, literary, and scientific association, and its objects are : 

To cultivate social intercourse, form a more perfect union among 
its members, and create a fund for charitable purposes in their 
behalf; 

To collect and preserve information connected with the early set- 
tlement and subsequent history of the country ; 

To form such hbraries and cabinets and pursue such hterary 
and scientific objects as the Board of Directors may from time to 
time determine, and in all appropriate matters to advance the 
interests and perpetuate the memory of those whose sagacity, en- 
ergy and enterprise induced them to settle in the wilderness^ and 
become the founders of a new State. 

ARTICLE II. 

The Society shall be composed of two Classes. To the First 
Class, aU who were residents of Califorma prior to the first day of 



12 

January, 1840, and tlic male descendants of all such \ybo were 
members, shall be eligible. To the Second Class, all who were 
residents of California prior to the first day of January, 1850, and 
the male descendants of all such who were members, shall be eli- 
gible. Honorary members may be admitted without these qualifi- 
cations, in accordance with such provisions as may be made in the 
By-LaAvs. 

ARTICLE III. 

Any person, duly qualified, desiring to become a member of this 
Society, shall be proposed and balloted for in a manner to be pre- 
scribed in the By-Laws ; and any person who shall have been once 
balloted for and rejected, shall not again be proposed for member- 
ship within one year from the date of said rejection. 

ARTICLE IV. 

Each person, on admission, shall pay such fees as shall be pre- 
scribed by the By-Laws ; and all funds arising therefrom, or from 
monthly dues, or from donations, (luiless said donations are given 
for other specific pui-poses) shall, after the current expenses of the 
Society have be'cn paid, be devoted solely to the purposes for which, 
in Article I, it is declared that this Society is instituted. 

ARTICLE V. 

The officers of the Society shall consist of a President, five Vice- 
Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Marshal, and a Board of 
Directors, to consist of seven members, all of whom, except three 
of the Vice-Presidents, shall be residents of the city of San Fran- 
cisco. 

ARTICLE VI. 

Stated meetings of the Society, for the transaction of business, 
shall be held on the first Monday of each month, and at such other 
times as the President shall deem necessaiy. The annual meeting 
of the Society, for the election of officers, shall be held on the sev- 
enth day of July, in each year, (except when that day shall happen 
on Sunday, in which event the meethig shall be held on the day 
following) that being the anniversary of the conquest of California, 



13 

and the daj the American flag was first raised on the soil of this 
Territory ; and at such meetings the annual reports of the officers 
of the Societj shall be made. 

ARTICLE VII. 

The officers 'of the Society shall be elected by ballot, and shall 
hold office for one year, and until their successors are elected. 

ARTICLE VIIL 

The Board of Directors shall meet for business at least once in 
each month, and a majority of the Board may fill any vacancies 
which may occur in its own body. The President, Secretary, and 
Treasurer, shall be ex officio members of the Board, a majority of 
whom must be present in order to form a quorum for the transac- 
tion of business. The Board of Directors shall enact By-Laws for 
the government of the Society, which, with all other of its pro- 
ceedings, shall be laid before the Society at its first meeting there- 
after ; and it shall be competent for the Society to alter, amend, or 
reject any such By-Laws, by a two-thirds vote, when there are not 
less than thirty members present, and not otherwise. 

ARTICLE IX. 

This Constitution shall not be altered or amended unless by a 
vote of two-thirds of the members present at a stated meeting, at 
wliich time there shall not be less than thirty members present ; 
and all such alterations and amendments shall be proposed at some 
meeting at least one month prior to such stated meeting, and shall 
be posted in a conspicuous place in the Reading Room at least fif- 
teen days prior thereto. But it shall not be in the power of this 
Society to alter the qualifications for membership named in Article 
II of this Constitution. 

ARTICLE X. 

The President shall preside at all meetings of the Society and of 
the Board of Directors, and shall determine the order of business 
in each. He shall strictly enforce the provisions of the Constitu- 
tion and By-Laws, and shall see that all officers and committees 



14 

perform their respective duties. He shall sign all laws, resolutions, 
and orders, passed by the Board of Directors. lie shall neither 
make nor second any motion or resolution, nor take part in any 
debate while in the chair, lie shall inspect and announce the 
result of all ballotings or other votings by the Society. Any Vice- 
President, in the absence of the President, shall exercise the same 
power and authority as the President. 

ARTICLE XI. 

The Secretary shall keep correct minutes of all the proceedings 
of the Society and Board of Du-ectors ; shall record its By-Laws, 
Rules, and Ordinances, in a book to be kept solely for such pur- 
pose ; shall preserve a register of the names of members, and keep 
a correct account therewith ; and shall collect and pay over to the 
Treasurer all moneys due the Society. He shall be responsible for 
the safe keeping of all the books and papers belonging to the 
Society, excepting those of the Treasurer. He shall certify all 
accounts and records, under the direction of the Board of Direct- 
ors ; and shall countersign all orders on the Treasurer signed by 
the President. He shall make reports of his accounts at such 
times as may be required by the Society ; shall report the name of 
each member in arrears to the Society immediately preceding the 
election for officers ; and shall be exempt from the payment of dues, 
and serving on committees. He shall, whenever dii-ected by the 
President, give the members and Board or Directors proper notice 
of all meetings, and shall perform the duties of Corresponding Sec- 
retary. He shall be ex officio Librarian of the Society ; shall 
receive and preserve all books, maps, pam])hlets, records, maga- 
zines, etc., which may be purchased for, or donated, or loaned to 
the Society, and be responsible for the same ; and shall keep a 
record of the names of such donors. He shall also perform such 
other duties as may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors ; 
and shall give such bonds for the faithful performance of his duties 
as may be ordered by that Board. 



15 

ARTICLE XII. 

The Treasurer shall keep a book in which he shall record all 
receipts and disbursements, and shall report the same annually, or 
at such periods as the Society may require. He shall pay no 
moneys -without an order signed by the President and counter- 
signed by the Secretary. At the expiration of his term of office, 
he shall deliver all books, papers, moneys, vouchers, and other 
property belonging to the Society, in his possession, into the hands 
of his successor ; and shall give such bonds for the faithful per- 
formance of liis duties as may be ordered by the Board of Direct- 
ors. 

ARTICLE XIII. 

The regalia of the Society shall be as follows : 

The regalia of the President shall be a scarf of gold lace, trim- 
med with silver bullion, with a rosette of the class to which he 
belongs, with cross mallets of silver attached. 

Ex-Presidents may, at their option, either wear the past regalia 
of the office or a rosette of the class to which they respectively 
belong, with cross mallets of silver attached. 

That of the Vice-Presidents shall be a silver scarf, and rosettes 
of their respective class, with cross axes of silver attached. 

That of the Secretary shall be a rosette of the class to which he 
belongs, with cross pens of silver attached. 

That of the Treasurer shall be a rosette of the class to which he 
belongs, wuth cross keys of silver attached. 

That of members of the first class shall be a red rosette, with a 
green center, on which shall be a golden P. 

That of members of the second class shall be a white rosette, 
with a blue center, on which shall be a silver P. 

That of the honorary members shall be a blue rosette. 

All of the silver insignia of office shall be worn upon the left 
breast. 

ARTICLE XIV. 

The Librarian shall have full charge and control of the rooms 
occupied by the Society, subject to the direction of the President 
and Board of Directors, and for his services shall receive such 
remuneration as may be provided in the By-Laws. 



16 

ARTICLE XV. 

It shall be the duty of every member of the Society to use all 
laudable eftbrts to collect aud procure such records, relics, minerals, 
curiosities, etc., connected with the early history of this State, as 
may be useful and beneficial to this assoMation, and to forward the 
same, together with any information that may be of interest to the 
Society, to the Secretary, at San Francisco. 

ARTICLE XVI. 

The annual celebration of this Society shall take place on the 
ninth day of September in each year, unless that date shall happen 
on Sunday, in which event it shall take place the day following. 

ARTICLE XVII. 

Members guilty of misconduct may, upon conviction, (after a 
proper investigation) be expelled, suspended, fined, or reprimanded, 
by a vote of two-thu-ds of the members present at any stated meet- 
ing, provided there be not less than thirty members present ; and 
any officer of this Society may be removed from his office by the 
Board of Directors for such cause as, in its oiiinion, may be deemed 
sufficient, provided that such proceeding shall have no effect until 
it is confirmed by a two-thirds vote of all the members (there being 
not less than thu'ty) present at a stated meetmg. 



BY-LAWS. 



SECTION I. 



Each person, on admission as a member of this Society, shall 
pay into its treasury tlie sum of five dollars, and shall sign the 
Constitution with his name in full, together with his place of birth, 
residence, occupation, and the day, month, and year of his arrival 
within the limits of this State. And if any person residing in or 
in the immediate vicinity of the city of San Francisco shall, for 
one month after his election, or if residing in any other part of the 
State shall, for six months after his election, neglect to pay his ad- 
mission fee and sign the Constitution, he shall be considered as 
having declined to become a member, and the members who recom- 
mended him shall be held responsible for the amount of his admis- 
sion fee. 

SECTION II. 

Every member of this Society, over the age of eighteen years, 
residing in or in the immediate vicinity of the city of San Fran- 
cisco, shall pay into its treasury one dollar per month, quarterly, in 
advance ; and every such member residing elsewhere shall pay into 
its treasury five dollars per annum, in advance. Any member 
residing in or in the immediate vicinity of the city of San Fran- 
cisco, who shall neglect for six months to pay such dues, or residing 
elsewhere shall neglect for one year to pay such dues, shall be 
stricken from the roll of membership. But any member so stricken 
from the roll, upon payment of all arrearages, shall by that act be 
restored. 

2 



18 

SECTION III. 

Any member who shall be in arrears for dues for more than 
three months shall be inehgiblc to office, and shall not be entitled 
to vote at any meeting, or to enjoy the honors of this Society in 
any manner. 

SECTION IV. 

On the payment of seventy-five dollars by any member, he shall 
be released from all further payment of dues, and shall be consti- 
tuted a Life Member of the Society. 

SECTION V. 

All moneys received for life membership shall constitute a special 
fund, to be invested at interest, the principal of which shall be kept 
intact, though the interest may be placed in the general fund. 

SECTION VI. 

Any person who shall become a member fraudulently, by making 
a false entry of the time of his arrival withm the limits of this 
State, may be expelled from the Society, by a vote of two-thirds of 
the members present at any stated meeting. 

SECTION VII. 

1. Every applicant for membership shall be proposed by two 
members of the Society, who shall present to the Secretary his full 
name, place of residence, occupation, and the date of his arrival in 
California, all of wliich the Secretary shall record in a book of reg- 
istry, to be provided for the- purpose, and he shall also post the 
name of such apphcant conspicuously in the Rooms. 

2. Ten days before the regular monthly meeting of the Society, 
a ballot box, locked, and the book of registry above named, shall 
be placed upon a table beneath the hst of names posted as above 
ordered by the Secretary, together with a sufficient quantity of 
pieces of paper, or cards, to be used for ballots, large enough to 
contain a single name, with the Avords " Yes " or " No." 

3. The ballot box and book of registry bemg thus prepared, any 
member of the Society may, at any time prior to the opening of 



19 

the box at the next regular monthly meeting, write the name of 
each of the candidates upon whose appHcation he desires to vote, 
separately, upon one of the ballots, with the w^ord " Yes " or "No," 
as he may wish to vote for or against his admission ; and upon de- 
positing the same in the box, he shall record his own name in the 
book of registry, under that of each of the candidates upon whose 
application he has voted. 

4. At each regular monthly meetmg of the Society tellers shall 
be appointed by the President, who shall open the ballot box, com- 
pare the ballots upon each apphcation with the registry, and an- 
nounce the result in each case. Three negative votes shall reject. 
No candidate shall be declared elected who shall not have received 
at least fifteen votes in the affirmative ; and no ballot shall be 
coimted which does not bear the w^ord " Yes " or " No." 

5. If the number of Ijallots bearing the name of a candidate 
does not correspond with the number of votes registered in his case, 
and it shall appear that the consequence of such discrepancy might 
by any possibility affect the result of the vote, the action in that 
case shall be declared void, and another ballot may at once be had, 
or the name may be again presented, as before, durmg the succeed- 
ing month. 

6. No election for membership shall be announced at any other 
than a regular monthly meeting of the Society, and no elected ap- 
pUcant shall be considered a member of the Society until his ad- 
mission fee shall have been paid to the Secretary. 

SECTION VIII. 

The President shall have power to grant leave of absence to any 
officer of the Society for a period not exceeding one month, and to 
appoint some suitable person to perform the duties of such officer 
during his absence ; provided, that any officer desiring leave of 
absence shall give the President at least one week's notice thereof. 

SECTION IX. 

Whenever it shall be notified to the Board of Directors that any 
officer of the Society residing in this city is absent therefrom, and 
has been so absent for a longer period than one month, the Board 



20 

may thereupon declare the office vacant, and appoint some otlier 
person to fill the vacancy. 

SECTION X. 

Each member when speaking shall address the presiding officer, 
and when called to order by him shall immediately take his seat ; 
but he may appeal from such order, and a majority of the members 
present may reverse it. 

SECTION XI. 

In debute, no member shall be personal in his remarks. 

SECTION XII. 

All motions, if required by the chair, shall be made in writing, 
and read by the mover at his seat, before offi)ring. 

SECTION XIII. 

No meml)cr of the Society, under the age of eighteen years, 
shall be entitled to vote at any of its meetings, nor shall be charged 
with monthly dues. 

SECTION XIV. 

Tlie Society may elect as Honorary Members such persons as 
shall have rendered any distinguished or important services to the 
Society, the State, or the United States. 

SECTION XV. 

The Board of Directors shall fix the amount and approve the 
bonds of the Secretary and Treasurer, which bonds shall be placed 
in the possession of the President for safe keeping ; and shall deter- 
mine the compensation to be paid to the Secretary. 

SECTION XVI. 

The Board of Directors shall constitute the Auditing Coimnittee, 
who shall examine all accounts against the Society ; and no bill or 
account shall be paid by the Treasurer unless the same shall have 
been indorsed " apjtroved," and signed by the chairman of that 
committee, nor until it shall have been signed l)y the President and 
countersigned by the Secretary. 



21 

SECTION XVII. 

In case of the decease or resignation of the President, Secretary, 
or Treasurer, of the Society, the Board of Directors shall call a 
meetmg of the Society, within thirty days thereafter, when a suc- 
cessor may be elected to fill the unexinred term of such officer. 

SECTION XVIII. 

All real estate that may be acquired l)y the Society, and all 
money invested, shall be held in trust, for the use of the Society, 
in the names of the President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and their 
successors in office. 

SECTION XIX. 

The President, on the decease of any member in good standing 
shall call a meeting of the Society ; and the obituary and resolu- 
tions passed at any such meeting shall be pul>lishcd in one of the 
daily newspapers of the city of San Francisco, and in the paper 
(if any) published where the deceased resided ; and the Secretary 
shall communicate the proceedings to the family or relatives of the 
deceased. 

SECTION XX. 

When the Board of Directors shall be satisfied that any worthy 
member of this Society is unable, for the time being, to pay the 
monthly dues hereinbefore prescribed, it shall have power to remit 
such dues. But if any member of this Society, having the ability 
to pay the monthly dues hereinbefore prescribed, shall refuse to 
pay the same, and shall not, at the time of such refusal, render an 
excuse that, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, shall be sat- 
isfactory, he shall be debarred from visiting the Rooms of the So- 
ciety, the Secretary shall cause his name to be erased from the 
roll, and he shall not again be admitted as a member, except by a 
unanimous vote of the Board of Directors, and upon such condi- 
tions as the Board shall deem fit to impose. It is further made the 
duty of the Secretary to post upon the blackboard in the reading 
room, under the title of " Repudiating Members," the names of 
all such persons, and he shall keep each name so posted for the 
term of sixty days. 



22 

SECTION XXI. 

1. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Puhlication, every 
two months, to uispect the records of the Secretary, and report if 
such records (as well of the general Society as of the Board of 
Directors) arc regularly written up, in a precise, correct, and hand- 
some maimer, and signed by the proper officers of tlie Society. 

2. To take a copy of such transactions and prepare them for 
pubUcation, together with the reports of Standing Committees and 
Special Committees, addresses, orations, poems, and other original 
papers, and prepare them for puldication, under the title of " The 
Transactions of the Society of California Pioneers." 

3. "With the transactions of each period of four months, a cer- 
tain portion of the back transactitnis, uj) to January 1st, 1863, shall 
be published, until the whole shall be completed. This publication 
shall be then continued in such a manner that the transactions of 
every four uionths shall be ready to be issued immediately at the 
expiration of said term of four months. 



LIST OF MEMBERS. 



Names. Life Members. Residence. 

Abell, Alexander G Life Member Sau Francisco. 

Austin, Alexander " " 

Arrington, Wm Virginia C'y, N.T. 

Ames, T. M Mendocino. 

Anderson, Wm. N Sau Francisco. 

Ashly, D. E Life Member Sacramento. 

Adsit, L. B Sau Francisco. 

Arrowsmith, David B " 

Austin, Frank B " 

Almy, Moses B " 

Belden, Josiab San Jose. 

Bartlett, Wasbiugton San Francisco. 

Benson, John " 

Brewster, R. E Life Member " 

Buckley, J. P " 

Blum, I 

Blythe, Thos. H Life Member 

Bond, Chas. R 

Baker, Frank Life Member New York. 

Baker, Samuel San Francisco. 

Brooks, James " 

Bourne, Russell " 

Babcock, B. E Life Member 

Blanchard, D. L 

Bauer, J. A " 

Brodcr, A. H Visalia. 

Briggs, Edgar Virgiuia City. 

Beard, E. L Life Member Sau Jose Mission. 

Bufiford, J. L San Francisco. 



24 

Names. Life Members. Residence. 

Bayerque, J. B Life Member San Francisco. 

Brannan, Samuel " " 

Brannan, Samuel, Jr " " 

Barker, A. H " " 

Brown, Wm. II " 

Brown, Tliomas A " 

Burdell, Galen Life Member " 

Byrne, John M " •' 

Brummagim, Mark " " 

Brenham, Charles J " " 

Becker, Bernhard A " " 

Bassctt, Joseph " " 

Bolailo, Antonio " 

Blair, A.^V Watsonville. 

Bourne, Elisha B San Francisco. 

Babcock, H. S Life Member " 

Blackburn, Fred. W Santa Cruz. 

Berton, Francis Life Member San Francisco. 

Bassitt, Joseph F " 

Booraem, H. Toler " 

Buckingham, C. E " 

Bruner, Wm. II " 

Barstow, Alfred •' 

Baker, G. W 

Birdseye, J. C Life Member Nevada. 

Brand, Aristides San Francisco. 

Birdscll, J. M Virginia City. 

Burnett, Peter H San Jose. 

Birgc, J. H San Francisco. 

Blackburn, "Wm Life Member Santa Cruz. 

Billings, Frederick " San Francisco. 

Carpenter, D. n Life Member " 

Chenery, Richard " " 

Cunningham, Lewis " Marysville. 

Crary, 0. B San Francisco. 

Chapelle, A. Marius Life Member " 

Crowell, Eugene " " 

Cutter, James II " " 

Caswell, T. n Nevada. 

Carl, Charles San Francisco. 

Chambers, T. J. A Life Member '• 

Callahan, Jeremiah " 

Chace, B. T " 



25 

Names. Life Members. Residence. 
Clark, Smyth San Francisco- 
Conway, Edward Life Member " 

Chevers, W. II " 

Casas, F. B., Jr Contra Costa. 

Cashman, W. F Life Member San Francisco. 

Colburn, R " 

Cornwall, P. B 

Callahan, M. B 

Calhoun, C. A Life Member " 

Carl, C. F., Jr San Francisco. 

Cushing, Volney " 

Chenery, C. B U.S. Navy. 

Coleman, Alonzo N Sau Francisco. 

Combs, J. C " 

Claxton, G. W 

Cook, E. A Life Member 

Craig, Peter " 

Carpenter, M. B " 

Cook, Wm. B Life Member " 

Conley, John " 

Coit, B. B 

Crary, George B " 

Clark, Wm. H Life Member 

Conner, Edward " 

Conner, J. W " 

Clayton, H. J 

Collins, R. W 

Cole, Thomas 

Center, John Life Member " 

Cassin, Francis " 

Caduc, Philip " 

Curry, John " 

Capp, Charles S " 

Duncan, Wm. L " 

Dow, James G " 

Dewey, S. L Marysvillc. 

Donahue, Peter Life Member San Francisco. 

Donahue, James " " 

Decker, Peter Marysvillc. 

Defeth, Jacob Life Member San Francisco. 

Depierris, A. H " 

Dewey, S. P Life Member " 

Devoe, B.O " 



26 

Names. Life Members. Residence. 

Davidson, B Life Mcinbor San Francisco. 

Dc Boom, Corn's " " 

Dcuiscnberg, C. A. C " 

Drew, N. L Sacramento. 

Dow, J. M Virginia City. 

Dikcman, Daniel S San Francisco. 

Dimon, Jacob S 

Dows, James Life Member 

Dwindle, John W " 

Dam, George W 

DeLaurencel, Henry Life Member 

Davis, Alfred E " 

Davis, Isaac E " 

Dyer, J. P 

Dean, Peter 

DeWolf, S. J 

Downing, IL C 

Davis, Daniel 

Eastland, Jos. G Life Member 

Ellis, A. J 

Ellis, John S. 

Elliott, CD 

Earl, John Life Member 

Elliott, S. F U. S. Army. 

Easterby, A. Y Napa. 

Eaton, Cornelius J Life Member San Francisco. 

Eaton, C. B 

Ellsworth, T 

Ensign, George IF Life Alembcr 

Ennis, Wm. J 

Ellis, David B 

Eugleberg, Emile A 

Edwards, E. A 

Easterby, Frank Gray Napa. 

Farwell, Willard B Life Member San Fradcisco. 

Franklin, Selim Victoria. 

Freclon, T. W Sa„ Francisco. 

Fisli, J. H San Jose. 

Fell, AVilliam Virginia City. 

Faulkner, Wm San Francisco. 

Faulkner, Geo. L <• 

Frisbic, John B Life Member Vallejo. 



27 

Names. Life Members. Residence. 

Felton, C. N Nevada. 

Fallou, Thomas San Jose. 

Flint, Benjamin P Life Member San Juan. 

Foster, Ninian F " San Francisco. 

Fall, John " Humbolt. 

Fowler, M. II " San Francisco. 

Findla, James " " 

Frye, J. B 

Ford, William 

Folger, Wm. D " 

Gray, H. M Life Member 

Grattan, Wm. H " 

Gardiner, John 11 " " 

Gibbs, John S " 

Gillespie, C. V 

Griffin, B. P Victoria. 

Gerry, S. R San Francisco. 

Gibson, II. G U. S. Array. 

Garcia, J. S San Francisco. 

Garuiss, J. R " 

Gould, Thos. F Virginia City. 

Gillespie, Eugene F San Francisco. 

Galloway, J. Warren " 

Godfrey, J. T 

Gummer, Frederick C " 

Grcllet, C. C 

Grant, C. B 

Gordon, John Life Member " 

Gates, Horatio S " 

Gibbs, George W " 

Galloway, Joseph " *' 

Gale, Amos " " 

Green, Henry " 

Hawes, Horace " 

Hosmer, Charles Life Member " 

Hale, H. M 

Hager, John S Life Member " 

Hyatt, Caleb 

Hinckley, W. C 

Hyer, John G Sacramento. 

Harvey, M. M Virginia City. 

Hull, Edward Life Member San Francisco. 



28 

Namcx. Life Members. Residence. 

Hittell, John S San Francisco. 

Hudson, (lOo. A " 

Hall, Ktl wai-d Life Member 

Hoyer, Cornelius " 

Hayden, Gf . (I a 

Heron, John <• 

Houston, A. n Life Member " 

Ilall, E. G .Muripo.-a 

Holland, Nathaniel San Francisco. 

_\ Hopkins, S. A 

Howard, B. C Life Member " 

Hall, Isaac M 

Huefner, William ■. 

Hutchings. J M a 

Harrison, C. H Life Member '• 

Huerlin, 0. W 

Ilife, Levi (;oid HJH, X. T. 

Hancock, Henry San Diego. 

Hanford, W. H Mokelumne Hill. 

Hamilton, John U.S. Armv. 

Hensley, S.J Life Member San Jose. ' 

Howard, (!. II San Francisco. 

Howard, AVm. H <. 

Hodge, Jno. G Life ]\Iember " 

Hiiler, Rudolph 

Ilunsacker, Jas. C Martinez. 

-' Hopkins, Joseph San Francisco. 

Hunt, J. Ivcwis '. 

Harris, S. K 

Hulibard, Marshall 

Hitchcock, George B " 

Hanford, Wm. H 

Hill, J. Bryant 

Highton, E. R 

Haight, Lansing " 

Hadeler, I lerman " 

Hall, John F 

Harkness, II. W •< 

Hawes, Horace, Jr 

Haney, Wm. W 

Hyde, George Life Member 

Hathaway, Charles II " ] 

Henarie, 1>. V. B 

Hoadley, Milo » • 



29 

Names. Life Members. Residence. 

Henry, Hugg San Francisco. 

Hastings, B. F Life Member Sacramento. 

Hill. E. J Santa Barbara. 

Hallock, John Y Life Member San Francisco. 

Hardenburg, J. R " 

Harmon, A. K. P Sacramento. 

Hardy, Thomas Life Member Copperopolis. 

Irvine, James Tife Member San Francisco. 



J essup, R. M " 

Joice, E. V 

Johnson, Frank Life Member. 

Jones, S.D 



Keyes, ED U. S. Army. 

Knox, John San Francisco. 

Kirkpatrick, 0. A Rio Vista. 

Kellogg, John G Life Member San Francisco. 

Kohler, Theodore G " 

Kimball, Hazen Life Member " 

Kuner, Albert " 

Kraner, P. H " 

Kimball, Leonidas F " 

Kilduff, Wm. M Life Member 

King, Henry L " 

Kohler, Frederick 1) " 

Kibbc, H. C 

Kimball, Gardiner C Portland. Ore. 

Kimball, George II San Francisco. 

Kirby, R. C Santa Crnz. 

Kellum, Wm. C San Francisco. 

Kellogg, James ._ " 

Kehoe, John Life Member " 

Lindenburger, T. E " " 

LeCount, Jno. J " New York. 

Leonard, H W " San Francisco. 

Leese, Jacob P Monterey. 

Lohsc, John F San Francisco. 

Langton, S. W Life Mcm.ber Downieville. 

Livermore, " San Francisco. 

Ludlura, Anthony " " 

Lane, E. S La Porte. 



30 

Names. Life Mrmbcrs. Residence. 

Low, F. F .Marj'sville. 

Lawrence, J. E Life Member San Francisco. 

Livingston, IL B " 

Lindley, Charles Mary.«ville. 

Lyon, W. S San Francisco. 

Latson, A. C 

Lord, D. S 

Ladd, G. Frank 

Lies, Eugene " 

Lawton, Asa T Life Member " 

Lull, Louis 11 " 

Lowe, B. F 

Lynch, Patrick Life Member Virginia City. 

Loring, Wm. P San Francisco. 

Lent, Wm. ^[ Life Member Santa Clara. 

Longlcy, Wm. Rufus The I hirdanellcs. 

Lewis, Wm. J 

Larco, Nicolas Life Member " 

Lynde, J. B " 

Macondray, F. W Life Member 

Macondray, W. A ;' " 

Middleton, John " <• 

McCarthy, D. C 

Meeker, S. H Life Member " 

Montagnie, J. E. de la " 

Moore, R. Cutler " 

McDaniel, I) 

Marr^h, Charles Nevada. 

McMinn, James B Life Member San Francisco. 

McNaughton, A. W 

Mcrcado, Felix '• 

May, H. W 

Mandeville, J. AV Life Member 

Meacham, R Virginia City. 

McGregor, Joseph San Francisco. 

Mitchell, Thos. F Life Member 

Morton, IL J " <• 

Murphy, M. J " San Jose. 

Mebius, C. F •• San Francisco. 

Morrison, Sanmel Santa Clara. 

Main, Charles Life Member San Francisco. 

Mathewson, James •' 

Martin, Samuel B Life Member San I/?andro. 



31 

Names. Life Memhcrs. Residence. 

Merrill, Annis Life Member Saa Francisco. 

Myers, H " 

McPberson, A. W Life Member " 

Marselus, B. P 

Morton, A. G 

Moore, Treadwcll Life Member Ft. Churchill, N.T. 

McCreary, A. B. " San Francisco. 

Massey, Atkins " " 

Morel, A.J " 

Moreto, Everisto G " 

Macy, R.B 

Mesick, Richard " 

Moxley, 0. G Life Member " 

Morton, Reuben " " 

Marklcy, Levi " 

Marvin, Charles B Life Member " 

Mills, Edgar Sacramento. 

Morrison, Horace San Francisco- 
Miller, C. H Sacramento. 

Mooi-e, J. G .... 

Martin, Addison San Francisco. 

Miller, J. H Sacramento. 

Martin, Minor S Life Member San Francisco. 

Naglee, H. M " U. S. Army. 

Norcross, D " San Francisco. 

Norton, Edward " Sacramento. 

Nutting, Calvin San Francisco. 

Noah, Joel " 

Northam, E. F Life Member 

Nicholson, John " 

Newton, John B Life Member " 

Nordheimer, B , Crescent City. 

Nagle, Wm , San Francisco, 

Norris, David " 

Neal, Wm. W Life Member " 

Neal, Wm. W., Jr 

Nagle, Geo. D Life Member " 

Nourse, J. P " " 

Oliver, D.J " 

O'Donnell, Hugh " 

Ogilvie, J " 

Ogden, Frederick Life Member " 



32 

Namcx. Life Members. Residence. 

Parker, Georjje A San Francisco. 

Pope, John F " 

Petibcau, E " 

Price, Samuel " 

Perkins, O. M 

Perkins, R. G Life Member " 

Perkins, A. B Washoe. 

Precht, Carl Cologne. 

Pullman, James Life Member San Francisco. 

Phelan, James " " 

Pettinos, Geo. F " 

Piper, A. D 

Palmer, E. H 

Perkins, E. T New York. 

Phipps, E. K Yreka. 

Parcells, J. J San Francisco. 

Pioche, Alfred Life Member " 

Pickering, Loring " 

Palmer, Clinton " 

Pcnsam, J. J " 

Pratt, 0. C 

Phelps, T.G 

Pope, 0. C San Francisco. 

Pope, H. E 

Parent, Charles L " 

Pacheco, Romaklo San Luis Obispo. 

Painter, Jerome B San Francisco. 

Peters, Charles .... 

Palmer, Cyrus .... 

Peck, George .... 

Patterson, John W .... 

Papy, J. J San Francisco. 

Parent, Charles L., Jr .... 

Paty, John .... 

Parker, Robert A San Francisco. 

Poole, Edward A « 

Peck, George II " 

Powers, Lucius. Jr Vallejo. 

Protolongo, Lorenzo San Francisco. 

Poursilli, Adrian '• 

Powell, A., Jr « 

Provost, D. R Life Member 

Preston, A. B " 

Paddock, N. C Life Member 



33 

Names. Life Members. Reaidencc. 

Qninn, John C San Francisco. 

Randall, A. G " 

Ross, Richard " 

Rosenthal, S " 

Raymond, S. J " 

Roach, Philip A Ufo Member " 

Ryan P '^ 

Reilly, P. J Life Member " 

Reed, Robert " " 

Robinson, J. C " 

Ricketson, Jno Washoe. 

Rolfe, T. H Nevada. 

Rohe, J. T Life Member " 

Rice, D. W. U Marysville. 

Reid, Robert K U. S. Army. 

Rumwell, W. N San Francisco. 

Reilly, W. T " 

Richardson, Jesse " 

Renault, Charles " 

Reis, Christian Life Member " 

Reading, P. B " Red BluflP. 

Redington, J. H " San Francisco. 

Raccouillet, 11 " 

Roberts, M. R Paris. 

Ryan, Edward San Francisco. 

Ryan, John " 

Reed, Henry R " 

Root, Ira C " 

Rausch, Joseph Life Member " 

Riley, J. Henry " 

Randall, Willie W 

Roberts, Daniel S " 

Reynolds, R. F " 

Root, Ira E San Francisco. 

Randall, James W Life Member New York. 

Stearns, Abel Los Angeles. 

Snyder, J. R San Francisco. 

Sutton, 0. P Life Member 

Sulhvan, E. L " 

Stout, Arthur B 

Shirley, John Life Member 

Sawyer, Otis V 

3 



34 

Navies. Life Members. Residence. 

Sharp, Geo. F San Francisco. 

Simmons, S. C " 

Sawyer, Jesse Mare Island. 

Still, Jno. II San Francisco. 

Scudder, G. M Life Member " 

Salmon, Francis " 

Sainscvain, P San Jose. 

Stearns, J. H Life Member San Francisco. 

Shelly, AV.N 

Searls, Niles Nevada. 

Simson, Robert San Francisco. 

Sperry, J. A Chinatown. 

Sharon, Wm Life Member San Francisco. 

Sweetscr, A.J " 

Simpkins, C. H Marysville. 

Seymour, C. H Life Member San Francisco. 

Stokes, James Monterey. 

Schmieden, II San Francisco. 

Spear, Thos. G 

Sturacke, 0. T 

Slanty, F U. S. Navy. 

Spooner, J. II San Francisco. 

Staples, D. J 

Stoutenborough, C. II Life Member " 

Swan, Benj. F Nevada. 

Schenck, G. Everett San Francisco. 

Story, Stephen C 

Shaw, Wm. J Life Member " 

Snj'der, A. W " •' 

Sullivan, John *' " 

Scroth, Charles " 

Spear, John J " 

Story, Lafayette •' 

Storms, Cornelius " 

St. John, Charles II Tuolumne Co. 

Stone, Edward P San Francisco. 

Selby, Thomas II Life Member " 

Sloss, Louis " 

Smith, Wm. Fowle Oakland. 

Smith, J. Clarke, Jr San Francisco. 

Sohr, Lewis Life Member Mokelumne Hill. 

Stevens, Robert J " San Francisco. 

Swazy, Wm. F " U. S. Army. 



35 

Names. Life Members. Residence. 

Taylor, Edward Life Member San Francisco. 

Tennent, Thomas " 

Tennent, S.J Martinez. 

Tay, George H San Francisco. 

Tliompson, W. T 

Tiffany, E. J Life Member " 

Taylor, A. C 

Townsend, J. B " 

Taylor, Bayard New York. 

Tiffany, Wm. H San Francisco. 

Turney, John H Life Member " 

Todd,*A. n 

Tallant, Drury J Life Member " 

Trinius, Charles " 

Tibbitts, J. P 

Tewksbury, J. M Life Member " 

Tucker, J. W " 

Tennant, J., Jr Martinez. 

Tucker, Joseph C liife Member San Francisco. 

Teschmaker, H. F " " 

Taylor, Wm. P 

VanAlen, W. K " 

Vandewater, W. H. 

Van Caneghem, P. C. L San Jose. 

Van Voorhes, Wm. W Clinton. 

Von Smith, A. W Life Member San Francisco. 

Vassault, Ferdinand '' 

Van Bergen, John Life Member " 

Van Ness, Henry " 

Valiant, Jules 

Vandevoort, Joseph Life Member " 

Wadsworth, J. C. L 

Walton, John Sonoma. 

Wiggin, Chas. L San Francisco. 

Widber, J. n 

Washburn, E. II Life Member " 

Wood, Theo. J 

West, F. H U. S. Navy. 

Williams, H. F San Francisco. 

Winans, Jos. W Life Member " 

Winans, John C 

Wadsworth, Wm. R 



36 

Names. Life Members. Residence. 

Williams, Rev. Albert San Francisco. 

Wyse, N. H 

Whitmore, H. M Life Member 

Wheaton. Wra. R 

Whitinff, M. S Life Member 

Wilber. K. J 

Wilbur, Jeremiah F 

AVilson, C. L 

Wetsler, Gustave 

Welsh, James 

Walker, Thomas 

Wright, James A 

Whaley, Thomas Life Member 

Wilson, S.L 

Worn, George A 

Wheeler, George 

Ward, Thomas 

Welch, Henry H Life Member 

Winkler, Adolph Yreka. 

Wensigner, F. S Life Member San Francisco. 

Winchester, Jonas 

Wilmerding, J. C Life Member 

Waite, E. G 

Webb, C.C 

Williams, Henry Life Member 

Wadsworth, H. W 

Woodworth, Frederick A 

Wells, Wra. V 

Willis, William 

Yount, George C Napa. 

Younger, Wm. J San Francisco. 



OMISSIONS. 

Capp, Charles S Sun Francisco. 

Jordan, Rudolpli " 

King, Wm. A Copperopolis. 



"TRANS ACTIONS 

OP THE 



REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING. 

Monday, January 5, 1863. 

The meeting was called to order by the Secretary, who 
stated, that in consequence of the absence of the President, a 
motion would be in order to place in the Chair the ex-Presi- 
dent of the Society. 

On motion of Mr. Farwell, ex-President Harris was called 
to the Chair. 

Ex-President Harris then and called the meeting to order. 

ELECTION OF MEMBERS. 

The Chair appointed as Tellers, Messrs. A. B. Perkins, A. 
D. Piper, Wm. H. Tiffany and J. C. Robinson, who after 
canvassing the ballot reported as follows : 
Elected — 17. 
George B. Hanson, Joseph E. Tucker, 

Wn;. J. Ennis, Chas. H. Hathaway. 

Everisto S. Moreto, Henry Hugg, 

Wm. Rufus Longley, Jonas Winchester, 

Milo Hoadley, Daniel V. B. Henarie, 

L-a E. Root, David H. Ellis, 

R. B. Macy, Richard S. Mesick, 

Townsend Bagley, Philip Caduc, 

B. F. Lowe. 
The Chair declared each of the above named gentlemen 
duly elected, and members of the Society. 
On motion adjourned. 
0. P. Sutton, Wm. L, Duncan, 

President. Secretary. 



INAUGURATION OF THE NEW HALL. 



SPECIAL MEETING. 

Wednesday, January 8, 1863. 

The President, 0. P. Sutton, in the Chair. 

Meeting called to order at 11 A. M., by the President, who 
announced that the Society being convened for the purpose of 
opening and inaugurating their new Hall, would form in pro- 
cession under the escort of the Montgomery Guard, and 
march to the building, situated on the north-east corner of 
Montgomery and Gold streets — which, in future, would be their 
home. 

The Marshal, Wm. L. Duncan, appointed by the Chair, 
then read the following programme, announcing that, owing to 
the bad condition of the streets, the procession would move on 
the sidewalk, viz : 

Kidd's Brass Band. 

Montgomery Guard. 

Society's American Flag. 

President Sutton. 

Ex-Presidents, two by two. 

The Building Committee. 

Architect. 

Orator and Chaplain. 

Invited Guests, two by two. 

Sacramento Pioneers. 

Members of 1848. 

The Society's Grand Standard. 

Vice-Presidents. 

Board of Directors. 

Members of 1849 — First Section. 

Sonoma Bear Flag. 

Members of 1849 — Second Section. 

Fremont Battalion Elag. 
Members of 1849— Third Section. 

Los Angeles Bear Flag. 
Members of 1849 — Fourth Section. 

The American Flag was carried by Mr. Hazcn Kimball ; 
Society's Standard, by A. D. Piper ; Fremont Battalion Flag, 
by Mr. Isidore Blum, and the Sonoma and Los Angeles Bear 
Flags, by Messrs. 0. Livermore and C. H, Harrison. The 



39 

number of members in the procession, including officers, of 
both classes, two hundred and seventy-three ; number of 
invited guests, thirty-four —total, three hundred and seven, 

The procession passed down Washington to Montgomery, 
along Montgomery to the intersection of Market, where it re- 
turned along the eastern side of that thoroughfare to the new 
Hall, situated at the the northeastern corner of Montgomery 
and Gold streets. 

At the Hall, the exercises commenced by a fervent prayer 
from the Chaplain, Rev. A. Williams, followed by an instruc- 
tive and eloquent address from the President, 0. P. Sutton. 



INAUGURAL ADDRESS 

OF PRESIDENT 0. P. SUTTON. 



Fellow Pioneers : 

I extend to you a cordial welcome to your future home — 
the guerdon of patient endurance and of fraternal action. 
Under your own roof-tree, and by your own hearth-stone, the 
family to day assemble to exchange mutual congratulations. 

We have labored long and earnestly to attain this consum- 
mation. We have struggled through difficulties which might 
have deterred; we have encountered disasters which might have 
overwhelmed, and we have sustained conflicts which might, and 
reasonably, too, have impaired the enthusiasm of others, but, 
buoyed and sustained by the reflection, that the Society of 
which we are members, has for its object " the greatest good of 
the greatest number," we have turned neither to the right hand 
nor to the left, but have kept directly on, and pursued our pur- 
poses with undaunted determination and undiminished ardor, 
until at length, in spite of all these difficulties, disasters and 
conflicts, we have attained — ( not the goal of our ambition and 
aspirations, for we " purpose in our hearts to take a nobler 
flight,") but one station and a proud one, too, on the great high- 
way of social, moral and intellectual excellence. And now, 
you have come up here, to-day, with glad hearts and tlirilling 
pulses, to rejoice in our common success. You stand beneath 
the roof which your own hands have builded, and are now 
about to dedicate for all time, as the abiding shelter of all 
your glorious memories, and the receptacle of all that is noble; 
all that is valuable; all that is illustrative of your " strange, 
eventful history." 

Where, a decade since, primitive simplicity and unbroken 
quiet slumbered in dull repose, responsive only to tlie drowsy 
monotone of our western ocean, you, to-day, stand amid the 
surroundings of graceful art — in the midst of prosperous 



INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 41 

plenty, and amid the never-dying hum of your occidental civil- 
ization. 

Proud day for all of us ! And with a full heart, sharing in 
the emotions of the hour, I say again to you, one and all, a 
joyous welcome, and God speed ! 

Brother Pioneers: how others may be aifected upon this oc- 
casion, I can scarcely venture an exposition, but, for myself, 
this is the inauguration of a glorious epocli — this imposing 
dedication of this imposing edifice to the Pioneers of California. 

The small seed sown years ago has germinated; the stem has 
broken its earthen prison and struggled up into the sunlight ; 
the bud is bursting into the full blown flower, and the Pioneer 
Association has already become an " Institution" amongst us. 

Surrounded as we are, and standing where we do to-day, 
what Pioneer does not feel a thrill of genuine pride — but not 
more genuine than pardonable — that he can lay claim to the 
distinction of being a California Pioneer ? Is it notliing to 
contemplate that this wealthy and populous city, — humble still 
as a centre of refinement and learning, though hastening with 
rapid stride to rival far older capitals in their grandeur and 
their science — owes, in a great degree, its existence to us ? Is 
it nothing to know that we are the absolute owners of this 
magnificent structure, that this stately edifice — a hall of science 
and a home of pleasure — is ours? Is it nothing to realize 
that our infancy was nursed in the lap of poverty and priva- 
tion, and that with heroic energy we have toiled up to a 
youth-hood — manhood, we have not yet attained — of ease and 
comfort and competency ? Is it nothing, in short, to feel that 
we have thus early placed ourselves in a position enabling us 
to perform partially, what the Pioneer Association hope, some 
day, more thoroughly to accomplish — the moral, social and 
intellectual elevation of its members and thus relatively act 
upon and beneficially influence the whole body of society? 

Brothers, permit me to remark that we may very justly feel 
proud, not only of the position we occupy to-day, but of the 
place that may be assigned us in history, as the pioneers of 
what is to be, perhaps, (if the theories of a distinguished but 
unknown writer, in that remarkable work — the " Vestiges of 



42 INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 

Creation" — shall be verified) a higher and purer civilization 
than has ever existed on the American Continent. That writer 
says, " The United States rniglit be expected to make no great 
way in civilization till they be fully peopled to the Pacific : 
and it might not be unreasonable to expect that, when that 
event has occured, the greatest civilizations of that vast terri- 
tory will be found in the peninsula of California and the 
narrow strip of land beyond the Rocky Mountains." 

Are these ideas mere vagaries ? or, are we indeed, now 
laying the foundations of a great and powerful empire which 
in the dim and distant future, shall excel in intelligence, 
refinement, arts, science and, in short, all that has been and 
may be of a superior civilization on the continent of America ! 
I dare not, Brother Pioneers, venture the prediction, but I may, 
at least, suggest, in view of such a possible contingency, that 
we sliould so conduct ourselves that our names and memories 
will be revered in all future generations. 

You, earliest pilgrims to this golden West, are living types 
of our State. Heterogeneous, and yet assimilated, of every 
nation and clime; of every creed and form of belief: of oppos- 
ing political opinions, and multifarious pursuits, yet united by 
one common bond of union. 

The representatives of the most conflicting interests, you are 
nevertheless a unit, in your relations to the State as Pioneers. 

The spirit of your Constitution, while it isolates you from 
all that might provoke dissension, or engender bitterness, only 
asks you to keep alive the associations which bind you to the 
past and to each other. It asks you to cherish with a tender 
remembrance the services and characters of your co-laborers; 
it urges you to collect and preserve all the mementoes by which 
our history has been illustrated, and, finally, to embalm in the 
shrine of your memories, and to imitate in the conduct of your 
lives, the examples of those of your brethren, who, having 
fought the fight of life with manful courage, have gone to their 
reward. 

With all the gay and festive surroundings of this day, com- 
panions, tliere also mingle some funereal shadows. As the 
swift years have swept by us, they have gathered into the country 



INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 43 

of eternal silence, many of our noblest and best. They toiled 
with us awhile — they bore the burden " and heat of the day" — 
and then fell wearied by the wayside. It is fitting that we 
shall add a wreath to their voiceless tombs, and give a sorrow- 
ing tear to their memories. " God's peace be with them." 

But from these chastening recollections let us turn to a 
brighter picture. 

Proud we should be, — proud vve are, when we look at the 
noble record of our brethren, who, on the bloody fields of car- 
nage, in the defence of our common country, are, even now, 
holding aloft the standard of our nationality, or have in the 
" joyous rush of death gone down." 

Fellow-Pioneers: A little more than twelve years ago, in the 
month of August, 1850, a fe\Y gentlemen met together, in this 
city, for the purpose of organizing a Pioneer Society, the ob- 
jects of which should be " to cultivate social intercourse among 
its members; collect and preserve information connected with 
the early settlement and subsequent conquest of the country, 
and to perpetuate the memory of those whose sagacity, energy 
and enterprise, induced them to setttle in the wilderness and 
become the founders of a new State." 

This, gentlemen, was a very laudable undertaking, and most 
nobly did they perform their work. At this distant day, it is 
scarcely possible, even for us Pioneers, who were not then 
members of the Association, to properly appreciate the labors 
of those few men who originated our Society and brought it 
into successful existence. All of you, however, well remember 
the period of which I speak, and a retrospective glance at the 
times will enable you to form, at least, some idea of the diffi- 
culties which they had to encounter in the accomplishment of 
their object. 

It would afford me much pleasure, and I doubt not be grati- 
fying to you, could I at this time place before you a detailed 
statement of the struggles, services and sacrifices of those men 
to whom we are so largely indebted for their efforts to found 
and perpetuate our organization, but unfortunately, it is not in 
my power to do so, all the early records of the Society having 
been destroyed by the fire of May 3d, 1851, except one book, 



44 INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 

in which were recorded the Constitution and the signatures of 
the members wlio liad attached their names thereto. And from 
this time to the period of its reorganization, July 6th, 1S53, it 
would seem that no minutes whatever were kept of its pro- 
ceedings. At least, none have been found. I liave therefore, 
thought it not inappropriate on this occasion, when we are just 
entering upon a new era of our existence, to give a brief out- 
line of so much of the early history of the Association, as I 
have been able to gather from the few persons still living in 
our midst who assisted at its formation. 

On the 23d of. August, 1850, the steamship "California" 
arrived in our harbor from Panama, bringing intelligence of 
the death of President Taylor. Measures were immediately 
taken by our citizens for the celebration of the obsequies of 
that distinguished man ; and among other assemblages, was 
an incidental meeting of a few of the oldest residents who 
met at Delmonico's Saloon on Montgomery Street. There were 
only five persons present, namely, W. D. M. Howard, Samuel 
Brannan, J. C. L. Wadsworth, Talbot H. Green and Benja- 
min S. Lippencott. Mr. Wadsworth suggested that all the 
early resident pioneers be invited to unite in a body and take 
part in the approaching observances. This proposition being 
cordially seconded, it was agreed that the parties present 
should notify their friends and acquaintances among the early 
settlers, and that the proceedings of the meeting should be 
published. 

The result was that, on the morning of the celebration — 
the 29th of August, about forty or fifty of the early pioneers 
assembled and formed a prominent feature in the large and 
imposing procession which then marched with mournful tread 
and muffled drum through the sombre streets of San Fran- 
cisco. 

It was this event which seems to have first suggested the 
idea of a pioneer association, for very soon after, a meeting 
was held at the office of W. D. M. Howard and the " Society 
of California Pioneers'' was organized by the adoption of a Con- 
stitution and the election of its first officers. 

These were elected for one year only, but owing to the 



INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 45 

extraordinary events of 1851-2, events which kept our citizens 
in a constant state of alarm and excitement, together with 
the additional circumstance, perhaps, that there was no suit- 
able place where meetings could be held, no other election for 
officers took place until July Tth, 1853. 

As confirmatory of this fact, I quote the first paragraph of 
the written records of the Association. 

" An informal meeting of this Society was held at the Ori- 
ental Hotel in the City of San Francisco on the evening of 
July 6, 1853, for the purpose of reorganization : the Society, 
from unavoidable circumstances, having for the past two years 
been unable to meet." 

Nevertheless, its existence was always recognised during 
that period, and its officers, by the unanimous consent of the 
members, continued to exercise all the powers belonging to 
their respective positions. No thought ever seems to have 
existed of an abandonment of the organization, even durins; that 
most gloomy period of our City's history, when, scarcely did 
she arise from the ashes of one desolating fire, ere another 
still more destructive, swept over her with appalling fierceness, 
devouring in its flaming folds all within its reach, and leaving 
nought but blackened walls and smoking ruins as the only evi- 
dence that here was once a prosperous city. But, from out 
the smoke and flame of each successive fire, arose the indom- 
itable spirit of the Pioneer, undaunted, unsubdued, unbroken, 
and in ringing tones proclaimed that, not only should the city 
be again rebuilt, but that our cherished society should have a 
permanent existence — should live, an enduring monument to 
the "sagacity, energy and enterprize" of the intrepid Pioneers ! 

Gentlemen: Unfortunately very little else in addition to 
what has been already stated, can now be learned of the early 
history of our Association. We know, however, that after the 
funeral of General Taylor, the Society took a prominent part 
in the celebration of the admission of California into the 
Union, on the 29th of October, 1850, and that it was upon this 
occasion, at the grand ball which took place the same evening 
at the " California Exchange," on the Plaza, that our beautiful 
banner, designed by Lieut. Derby, was first displayed. 



46 INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 

From this time, until August, 1852, nothing whatever is 
known of the proceedings of the Society, and, indeed, it is 
highly probable tliat during tliat period of twenty-one months, 
it was never convened. But, upon the death of the lamented 
Gilbert, — a cherished member of the Association, a worthy and 
honored citizen, whose life was without blemish and whose 
death was a public calamity, it again came forth to pay the 
last tribute of respect to his memory, and convey his earthly 
remains to their final resting-place. 

Following this event, and only a few days later, came intelli- 
gence of the decease of that distinguished patriot and states- 
man — Henry Clay. The funeral obsequies of this great Amer- 
ican commoner, were, as you all remember, of the most imposing 
character. All classes of citizens united in paying homage 
and respect to the distinguished dead, and among others, the 
" California Pioneers" appeared in large numbers and took an 
active and prominent part in the ceremonies of the day. 

This was the last public appearance of the association 
during the period of which I speak. 

Having now given the origin of the Society and all the 
material circumstances connected with its early history, that 
is, prior to its reorganization, I deem it proper to add a few 
statistics showing the present condition of our association. 

The total number of names subscribed to the Constitution 
rom the period of its adoption to the present time, is 1,124 ; 
present number of members paying monthly dues, 333 ; of 
which there are residing in this city 265 ; in the country 68 ; 
total number of " Life Members" 135 ; thus showing that we 
now have 468 active members belonging to the Society. 

The average monthly receipts during the last quarter, 
exclusive of moneys received for Life Memberships, have been 
$479 ; the average monthly expenses during the same period, 
have been $313 ; leaving a balance to the credit of the "gen- 
eral" and "building" funds, per month, of $166. 

It is estimated that the monthly receipts during the next six 
months will not be less than $1,050 ; expenses per month for 
same period $360 ; leaving a monthly surplus to be applied to 
the liquidation of our outstanding obligations of $690. 



INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 47 

The present inclebredness of the Society may be stated to 
be in round numbers, $15,000, wliich sum, it is confidently ex- 
pected, will be fully paid and the debt cancelled within the 
next two years. Allow me therefore, in conclusion, to con- 
gratulate you on the highly prosperous condition of the 
association, and on the brilliant future which awaits it, if it 
be properly conducted. 

Pioneers: Justice, as well as gratitude, prompts me before I 
close, to say, that, for a great portion of the material prosper- 
ity we are now enjoying as a society, we are indebted to the 
munificent liberality of an old Pioneer —James Lick, 

He has given us, " without money and without price," the lot 
of land on which this building stands. We owe him therefore 
a debt of gratitude which can only be discharged from the 
Treasury of the heart. No other coin than that contained 
within its vaults, can or will be offered as a legal tender in 
liquidation of such obligations as those under which our pa- 
tron and brother has placed us. It is an immense draft, we 
confess, but to the last drop — more precious than any glitter- 
ing ''mint drop" — it shall be paid. 

So long as of this edifice one stone stands upon another, it, 
shall be recognized as a monument to the unselfish liberality 
and uncalculating munificence of our friend and brother, and so 
long as the Pioneer Association of California shall be banded 
together in the bonds of fraternal aifcction and social accord 
the name and memory of James Lick shall never die. 



Music — ''Hail Colu7nbia" — By the Band. 

W. B. Farwell, Chairman of the Building Committee then 
made a verbal report as to its financial condition, alluding to 
the marvelous increase of the Society, both in numbers and in 
pecuniary prosperity, since the building of the Hall had been 
determined on. 

President Sutton at the conclusion of a patriotic air played 
in fine style by the band, introduced to the assembly the Orator 
of the day, Eugene Lies, who in a clear and impressive voice, 
interrupted only by the applause of his auditory, delivered the 
followin": address : 



O R A. T I O DS" 

By EUGENE LIES, Esq. 



Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Society of Pioneers : 

Invited 10 address you upon the occasion of the dedication 
to your use of this goodly edifice, an occasion which will hold 
a conspicuous place in your annals, I feel that it requires some 
self-restraint to avoid indulging in a recapitulation of the brief 
but miraculous, history of the State we founded, a review of 
its present wonderful plenty and peace in the midst of civil 
strife, and a glance at the unparalleled prosperity which the 
future seems to promise. 

The theme, however tempting, must be foregone. Not that 
the subject is exhausted, for it is inexhaustible ; but it has 
already inspired several eloquent addresses, and I shall be less 
fearful of seeming to challenge a comparison, or of wearying 
your attention, if, from the vast picture before my eyes, I sin- 
gle out, for treatment, some one prominent point with which I 
chance to be somewhat familiar. 

To those of us who reached California before the discovery 
of gold, perhaps no feature of the country appeared more re- 
markable than the distribution of its territory into large tracts 
devoted to the pursuits of pastoral life. Not that we were 
altogether unacquainted with notable instances at home of 
landed estates of still greater magnitude; but in such instances 
we had been accustomed to see land treated as merchandise, 
and purchased, in view of its rise, by individuals who foresaw, 
or determined to create, a demand; while here, in every glazed- 
hatted ranchero we met we beheld, not the speculative monop. 
olizer, or the mere lord paramount, but the actual possessor 
and occupier of a domain which elsewhere would have con- 
stituted a principality. 



ORATION. 49 

Unlike the Isliraaelite or Tartar stock-breeders, these did 
not hold their grazing grounds by tribes ; nor did their flocks 
range at will over the commons of the nation, as did those of 
Abraham and Lot until that memorable occasion when " a strife 
arising between their herdsmen," they agreed that one should 
go to the left and the other to the right ; but each ranchero 
was sole proprietor of his own particular tract, extending 
sometimes to forty leagues, with well defined and universally 
recognized boundaries, however indefinite these may appear to 
modern Courts and surveyors. 

We hardly reflected that land in itself is nothing, and only 
acquires a value from the labor of man ; that here, the limited 
industry applied to its improvement was of that character 
which supports the fewest human inhabitants to the square 
mile ; that population governs the market price of real estate; 
and that there was a probability of these vast possessions be- 
coming absolutely of no value whatever to their owners. The 
idea of extent alone impressed us. Here was no occasion for 
the rebuke which Socrates applied to his pupil, Alcibiades, by 
asking him to locate, upon the map, the territorial wealth of 
which he was so proud. There are several of these ranches 
either of which, on a common sized chart of the Northern Con- 
tinent, would hold a more conspicuous place than does on the 
map of Europe many a State which has gained a name in His- 
tory and a voice in the Congress of Nations. 

Since the time to which I now allude, fifteen years have 
rolled over. What has become of the rancheros whom we 
then unduly favored with our envy ? What of the estates 
which excited that feeling 1 

The estates, at least in the northern part of California, have 
mostly met the fate which attends land in every thrifty com- 
munity ; by means, fair or foul, they have become divided into 
parcels, growing smaller by further division every day — each 
parcel worth more money than the entire quantity in former 
times. Intelligent labor, concentrated within a practical scope, 
has awakened the dormant capacities of nature; and hills, once 

considered valueless, display the wealth of harvests, orchards' 
4 . .-:; 



50 ORATION. 

and vineyards, where the hardy cattle of the original settler 
once scarcely ventured to tread. 

Of the rancheros — we meet many of the survivors about our 
streets, dispirited and murmuring, accusing the squatters, the 
lawyers, the Courts — every thing except their own want of fore- 
sight and the inexorable logic of events — invoking the pro- 
visions of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, just as if treaties 
meant anything in the face of necessity ; just as if the Con- 
gress of Vienna had not decreed the independence of Cracow 
the perpetual division of Italy, the autonomy and integrity of 
the three bleeding remnants of Poland, and placed those '" es- 
tablished facts" under the joint guaranty of Europe. 

They seem to upbraid us, as the Monster in " The Tempest": 

'•This island's mine, by Sycorax my mother, 
Which thou tak'st from me ; when thou earnest first 
Thou strok'dst me and raad'st much of me. would'st give me 
Water with berries iu't?"' 

forgetting that whether the title vested in Caliban or Prospero, 
nothing could give interest, attraction or value to the Enchanted 
Isle until a shipwreck scattered numerous human beings upon 
its shores. 

Whatever share of the guilt of dispossessing the ancient 
owners of the soil of California may fairly be laid to judicial 
or executive shortcomings, a glance at the dealings of other 
nations, with the natives of conquered territory, would suggest 
a comparison not altogether unfavorable to our government. 

In many a bitter speech and earnest page, the orators and 
public writers of Great Britain denounced, as the chief cause 
of the Indian mutiny, the course adopted in regard to land 
titles in that remote colony, and that " passion of resumption" 
which dictated oppressive rules of decision, suggested constant 
suspicions of fraud and led to the annulling of grants which 
had received the sanction of Warren Hastings, Lord Clive and 
Sir Hector Munro. 

Change a few names and dates, add the darker feature of a 
tardy administration of the law, and those significant denun- 
ciations will stand as the expression of the complaints of the 
rancheros of California, except that many of those of the 
northern part of the State urge that the possession of their 



ORATION. 5 1 

patrimonies has been withheld from them, pending the weary 
investigation. Indeed some extreme cases are pointed out 
where the original possessor, without having parted with the 
fee, cultivates some parcel of his own fields under a precarious 
lease from the invader. 

But the rancheros of the southerly part of the State, although 
entitled to urge some of the same complaints, have enjoyed this 
invaluable advantage over their northern brethren that they 
have continued to possess their inheritance without let or hin- 
drance to this very day. In their local governments they held, 
from the first, undisputed sway. Judges, of their own language 
and race were elected by them, representatives and Senators 
who could only address their respective Houses through inter- 
preters ; no supervisor, county clerk, sheriff or assessor was 
ever nominated without their assent ; even in those counties 
where they could boast no positive majority, their united num- 
bers constituted a balance of power, among the contending for- 
eigners, amply sufficient to secure them fair play. 

It chanced that the bulk of immigration did not settle that 
way, and this in the face of the fact that, for several years, their 
section was the highway of all the immigration ; few unscru- 
pulous settlers infringed their lands, their cattle ranged undis- 
turbed within boundaries respected by all; their ancient cus- 
toms were codified, at their instance, in our statute book. 
For years their herds supplied the northern stalls without com- 
petition. The cheap labor of Indians was theirs ; the mines 
were open to their adventurous poor; and if their wants in- 
creased somewhat with the growing luxury of the times, they 
could now be supplied from a neighboring market at rates that 
would have astonished the cotemporaries of Figueroa. 

With all these advantages how do they stand now? 

Why, in their present condition, they might well envy their 
despoiled countrymen of the more populous section. With 
undiminished herds, ranging over uncurtailed possessions, 
many are unable to procure the commonest comforts of civil- 
ized life. One sudden fluctuation in the price of their one 
staple, and the nothingness of their apparent wealth stands 
demonstrated. Their one market closed or over-supplied, the 



52 ORATION. 

total value of their herds becomes equal to that of so many 
hides — less the labor of preparing them for shipping. "What 
crops Ihej may raise avail them nothing beyond the actual sup- 
port of life ; there is no population to consume them at home, 
or to keep the roads in repair, or create harbor facilities. The 
lord of many leagues in the midst of his vast possessions finds 
himself in a position the reverse of that of the ancient King 
whose touch was fabled to possess the power of alchemy. Mi- 
das turned into gold everything within his reach. On the con- 
trary, the ranchero is unable to convert anything into coin. 
The fact of his proprietorship has stamped the character of a 
wilderness upon his domain, and that character strips it of its 
exchangeable value. His only gleam of hope lies in the occa- 
sional conversion of a neighboring neat cattle range into a 
sheep walk — a partial improvement, inasmuch as the latter 
business employs more human labor. 

The reproach of improvidence and mismanagement is too 
hastily cast in explanation of the ruin of the rancheros, even 
as these too credulously attribute the result to the advent of 
the new government. There are many cases where wealthy 
and intelligent speculators have succeeded the original pos- 
sessor, without being more able than he was to turn their pur- 
chases to any account; and I am credibly informed that a like 
result attended a similar state of things in Texas. 

The trutli seems to be that a large tract of land, at a distance 
from a populous centre, is a most unmanageable property, re- 
quiring for its administration, and even for its sale in small 
parcels, an industry and a sagacity that are given to few. 

It is fortunate that large landed estates should so often prove 
ruinous to their owners, for they are antagonistic to the system 
under which we live, and fatal to the progress of tlie State. 

A Latin writer praises tl\e magnanimity of Pompey for re- 
fusing, on principle, to purchase any land bounding his own ; 
he should rather have praised his foresight and his prudence. 

The question involved is by no means new. Many learned 
inquirers have attributed the fall of the Roman Empire to the 
institution of slavery ; they should have gone one step further 
and urged as a chief cause the distribution of land into con- 



ORATION. 53 

siderable tracts, which encouraged slavery and drove the free- 
men into the large towns to become the dependants of the 
privileged classes. The ruin of Italy, says Pliny, came from 
the " Latifundia," or large estates. 

The original Roman Constitution limited the quantity of 
land that any man could hold. Perhaps it went too far, if two 
jugera constituted that limit ; but as that enterprising nation 
pursued its conquests and more and more land became the sub- 
ject of distribution, the Licinian limitation of three hundred 
and fifty acres to the individual was soon overpassed. Appian 
says that the nobles and rich men, partly by getting possession 
of the public lands, partly by buying out the shares of indi- 
gent owners, had made themselves proprietors of all the lands 
in Italy, and had thus, by degrees, accomplished the removal of 
the common people from their possessions. 

In the provinces the evil was still greater. Many a patri- 
cian was named in the proscription lists of Sylla or the trium- 
virs, chiefly on account of their vast landed possessions, and 
when we read that Nero executed six noblemen who owned, 
among them, one-half of Africa, we are scarcely at a loss for 
the motive of their condemnation. 

The cotemporaries were not blind to the growing evil. At- 
tempt upon attempt was made to check it ; but the privileged 
classes defeated or eluded every effort in that direction. 

Livy tells us that no agrarian law was proposed within his 
remembrance without causing great disturbance. 

The Gracchi lost their lives because Tiberius Gracchus at- 
tempted to revive the Licinian law. The fame of that tribune 
so successfully assailed by the partisans of the aristocracy has 
lately been vindicated by modern criticism. Niebuhr ably 
discloses the true nature of the Roman agrarian bills. They 
seem to have been, from Licinius to Rollus, the well meant but 
injudicious efforts of patriots -to prevent large quantities of 
land from centering in few persons, to the impoverishment and 
demoralization of the community. 

But as soon as the effeminate population of the world's 
metropolis lost all self-reliance, and, long fed by the tribute of 
the provinces, only clamored for bread and circus shows, the 



54 ORATION. 

memory of the patriot vras easily blackened as that of a perni- 
cious agitator. 

In France the enormouj landed wealth of the nobility and 
clergy explains the Great Revolution better than does any po- 
litical grievance. Elsewhere the Reformation not only main- 
tained, but justified itself, by abbey lands. The noxious ten- 
dency of the doctrines taught by the Jesuits would hardly have 
appeared so manifest but for their extensive estates. When 
the decree for their expulsion reached Peru, Lima consoled 
itself with the reflection that one-fourth of all the houses and 
lots would pass from clerical to laical hands. The statutes of 
mortmain in England, and similar enactments, everywhere 
show how jealous the legislator has been, from Justinian to 
later times, lest corporations in their nature, should monopolize 
large quantities of land. 

In Spain, the learned and eloquent Jovellanos raised his 
voice, long disregarded, against the national evil of landed 
monopolies. With unanswerable logic and withering sarcasm, 
he assails the conservative notions concerning vested but fatal 
rights to landed property in large tracts, and especially that 
most pei*nicious of all ownerships, the ownership by pueblos of 
considerable domains. 

The crowns of Europe have long since recovered from the 
hallucination that large royal demesnes constitute any true 
available wealth. They prefer to see those demesnes distri- 
buted into private hands, and trust, for their revenues, to the 
inexhaustible resource of taxation. And on this point the 
sovereign and the people are of one mind. For the latter 
have experienced that, under certain administrations of excep- 
tional vigor, extensive crown lands became an instrument of 
tyranny. The furstcnguter or crown lands of the Saxon mon- 
archs, were sufficient to defray the expense of government. 
Diminished by Norman donations, they were increased by 
church spoils. Their profuse distribution by William III., 
though censured by subsequent legislation, furnished, of itself, 
an important constitutional guaranty to the people of Eng- 
land. And yet, in our age, and in our very midst, there are 
those who, mindless of all the teachings of political economy, 



ORATION. 55 

would consider it an object that a city should assert, by way 
of procuring a revenue, a claim derived from Gothic customs, 
and supported by Zaraorana documents and other muniments of 
equal import and significance, over a whole broad peninsula 
like this upon which we stand. 

It is not only in the instincts of the masses that we trace the 
general conviction of the evil results of Latifundia. The jeal- 
ousy of the legislator has almost everywhere guarded against 
their perpetuation. The civil law compelled the distribution 
of the estates of decedents. It reduced the power of bequest 
and devise to the narrowest limits. All the heirs of like de- 
gree shared alike, with certain scrupulously noted exceptions. 
These provisions were not solely intended to protect the natu- 
ral rights of children to a father's property, but to avoid the 
accumulation of real estate, or rather to prevent its possessor 
from becoming a corporation sole, achieving thus a legal immor- 
tality by the agency of entail. 

I am confident that a contrary policy has never been adopted 
except where a conquering tribe, after subjugating a nation, 
instinctively resorted to the system of entail for the purpose 
of self-protection. In that view the feudal code is not so much 
the invention of the northern invaders of the Roman Empire 
as the natural result of their position, and the Talookdar of 
Hindostan forcibly reminds us of the Baron of Western Eu- 
rope, the Aztec chieftain of the Norman noble, and the follow- 
ers of Ruric of those of William the Conqueror. 

The droits d' ainesse of the French sank in the great storm 
which swept away so many abuses ; the Mayorazgos of Spain 
have been abolished by gradual enactments. Even in Great 
Britain, that stronghold of modern aristocracy, it has been 
found necessary to demolish some of the more ruinous parts of 
the Gothic structure of entail. And Russia, that nation " with 
the European face and Asiatic heart," is now putting the vast 
possessions of her nobility upon their trial. 

In almost all the States — United or disunited — of our great 
Republic, some statute has been adopted limiting the power of 
entail to a given number of lives in being at the time. Indeed 
I know but one exception, and this occurs in our own State. 



56 ORATION. 

This singular omission may perhaps bo attributed to oversight, 
but certainly not to any sinister premeditation. Many enact- 
ments seem pointed against land monopolies. The territorial 
acquisitions of corporations are limited to a specific quantity. 
No individual can locate more than three hundred and twenty 
acres of school lands ; and the mere fact of possession is here 
raised, by statute and adjudication, to a degree of dignity un- 
surpassed elsewhere. 

The Republic of Mexico, after vainly endeavoring to make 
the public lands a basis of public credit, stumbled upon the 
more effectual expedient of giving them away. Her regula- 
tions to that effect seem to have been enlightened as well as 
liberal, and their partial failure was attributable to peculiar 
causes. One of these was perhaps the erroneous construction 
given to the limiting clause of one, four and six leagues, re- 
spectively, of different classes of land. The Governors 
summed up these figures and considered the total, eleven 
leagues, as the only limit to the granting power, a construction, 
strangely enough, adopted by our own Courts. 

The experience of the United States has not been altogether 
dissimilar. My hearers are doubtless familiar with the details 
of our gradual change of policy, from the original idea of de- 
riving a considerable national revenue from the domain, to the 
more advanced and liberal system of giving away the land to 
the actual occupant. Nor are the people indebted for these 
latter measures to the magnanimity of statesmen or their own 
foresight. It took more than half a century's experience to 
demonstrate the expediency of the present scheme. 

I am informed that the transactions in land of the Govern- 
ment for the year commencing July 1st, 1850, and ending June 
30th, 1851, gave a result more favorable than the average, with 
the exception of the year 1836, when there raged an epidemic 
of land speculation. Let us judge from that result of the 
availability of the public lands as a source of revenue. 

During that year 1,846,847 49-100 acres oi laud were sold 
for a sum exceeding the minimum Government price by more 
than $60,000, viz: $2,370,947 45. Of that amount there failed 
to reach the Treasury for various causes the sum of $18,642 15; 



ORATION. 57 

the incidental expenses to be deducted were $153,341 17 — 
total to be deducted, $171,983 32 ; leaving a net income of 
$2,198,964 13. But from that net total there are still to be 
deducted a sum equal to the general appropriation for the 
Surveyor General's Department for the ensuing year, or 
$611,975 47; and a further sum of $155,305 — making together 
$767,280 47 ; leaving a final balance of $1,431,683 66 as the 
sum fairly applicable to the general wants of Government from 
its sales of land for that year. And I suspect that if several 
items properly chargeable to this account were considered, 
such as payments to extinguish foreign or Indian titles, explo- 
rations by the topographic corps, hydrographic surveys, and 
the segregation of 2,454,000 acres of bounty lands given away 
during that year, it might be found that the Government ran 
in debt to support its land system. 

That the pecuniary result attending the system of granting 
homestead farms as a free gift will be directly more favorable 
I do not pretend to say. But at all events we have foregone 
(I trust forever) the unstatesmanlike pretension of raising a 
revenue from the public domain. And when we consider that, 
under the hampering influence of tlie old system, thirteen new 
States, commencing with Ohio and ending with California,were 
carved out of 506,000,000 of our public acres, we may confi- 
dently look to a not very remote day for a solution of the 
problem, in a lack-land Government and a wilderness teeming 
with tax-payers. 

From this hasty review of facts I only claim, for the present, 
to have established that there exists a universal jealousy of 
the accumulation of landed property, whether in the hands of 
individuals or of governments. 

To set forth the rationale of that feeling would exceed my 
limits, and, most probably also, my capacity. But I would 
argue from its prevalence that it must proceed from some cause 
equally general. So many nations, circumstanced so difierently 
and with such ample opportunities for comparison, can hardly 
be supposed to have reached, through common inaptitude, a 
common political blunder. 

There is no such feeling against the accumulation of money 



68 ORATION. 

or other chattels. Whence this difTcrence, unless that there is 
no limitation to the multiplication of those commodities, whilst 
land is essentially finite in point of extent. There is no in- 
creasing its quantity. And as to its products, their multipli- 
cation depends so entirely on the intelligent labor of man that 
the commonwealth is directly concerned — not that each man 
should have a farm, a trite absurdity — but that many separate 
farms should have separate masters. In other words, it would 
seem that when you have ascertained that quantity of land 
which any one man can thoroughly cultivate, you may rest 
assured that frequent instances of excess beyond that standard 
point are fatal to the community, and, ultimately, to the indi- 
vidual properties. 

The latter proposition would seem as obvious as the first but 
for the eternal struggle of the more fortunate classes to stamp 
the character of durability upon their wealth by large invest- 
ments in land, and but for their occasional success, arising 
solely from the small relative number of such investments. 

It is not contended for here that a rancho, surrounded by 
small farms, or a one hundred vara lot in a populous city do 
not constitute positive available wealth, but that a country dis- 
tributed into ranchos will remain a poor country, even as a 
city of many one hundred vara lots will remain a " City of 
Magnificent Distances." 

To tlie apparent exceptions that might be mentioned to this 
rule, it may be sufficient to answer that the reckoning day will 
yet come, and that many a political sky, now fair, may soon re- 
echo the thunder of 1789. 

The progress of Russia and Great Britain ,as conspicuous as 
the rent-rolls of their nobility, might be urged with some force 
against our view, but for the cry of absenteeism, pauperism 
and steward-administration which reaches us alike from both 
countries. In England the inclination and facilities for emi- 
gration have constituted a safety-valve against explosion. The 
enormous wealth and rural tastes of her gentlemen have per- 
mitted and suggested improvements on a scale impossible else- 
where, whilst her vast manufacturing and commercial centres 
furnish a refuge for a distrained tenantry, and a market for the 



ORATION. 59 

yield of patrician herds and flocks as well as for the forage and 
timber of princely parks and artificial forests. If one single 
British family has been engaged since the beginning of the 
present century in planting yearly 300,000 forest trees, we 
hardly know which to admire most, the sagacity that devised 
that investment, or the unlimited resources that ensured its suc- 
cess; and we may still safely repeat the maxim of Adam Smith, 
that the source of wealth is, not land, but labor. 

In Russia, the country gentleman appears to be almost un- 
known. Basking in the imperial sunshine, employed in the 
army, the civil administration, or some distant diplomatic ser- 
vice, the Russian noble leaves the care of his estates to an 
intendant, often a foreigner. His serfs owe him their lands, 
their goods, their houses, their children, and one half their 
time for manorial service. In return they are allowed each a 
cottage, a garden, and a plot of land to support themselves and 
their families. Adscripti glebce for nearly three centuries, they 
seem to be contented with their lot, and to look with but little 
enthusiasm at the prospect of enfranchisement which the auto- 
crat holds forth before them Indeed, the transition from the 
notion that the man belongs to the land, to the converse idea 
that the land belongs to the man, is so slight, that the serfs are 
said to view the small price exacted for the freehold of their 
tenements, and in exchange for their freedom, as a piece of ar- 
bitrary oppression. And if we reflect that one single edict 
reduced the whole race, in 1596, to their present condition, and 
that their landlords can generally show no better title than 
long possession to lands originally granted to the ancestor for 
life only; and if, on the other hand, we bear in mind that, in 
theory, the serf belongs, not to the master, but to the master's 
land, the objection does not seem ill taken. 

At all events, whether or not these and similar examples 
militate against aught I have said heretofore, it will readily be 
conceded that the spirit which furnishes a tenantry to enable a 
landlord to cultivate a whole province by deputy, is foreign to 
our manners and inconsistent with our institutions. 

Going one step beyond tenantry, villainage, the glebe and 
serfdom in all its forms, positive slavery would seem to furnish 



60 ORATION. 

a solution to the difficulty. Any inquiry into its morality 
would be here in questionable taste. The most learned and 
ingenious of all tlie ancient philosophers, when called upon to 
justify the institution in his own day, said: " to the Greeks be- 
longs dominion over the barbarians, because the former have 
the understanding to rule, the latter the body only to obey." 
This vindication that Aristotle applied to the owncr.-hip, by an 
Athenian, of a captive from the banks of the Seine, the Tagus, 
the Elbe, or, perhaps, the Thames, will tell with double force 
against a race apparently of a distinct creation, certainly of 
inferior average mental capacity, as viewed to-day. 

Our business is with material results, and we may safely as- 
sert, census in hand, not only from ancient experience, but from 
our own, that even, with the powerful auxiliary of slavery, 
States whose territory is vested in comparatively few hands, 
cannot compete in general progress with those which have 
adopted the contrary system. It is true that the adjunct in 
question, disposes of several ot the objections raised against 
the policy of Latifandia. Not only is the owner's laboring 
power multiplied by the number of his hands, but the enormous 
advantage is gained of the discipline of labor under one intel- 
ligent head. The result ought to be a more thorough cultiva- 
tion of the soil, a more complete development of all the capa- 
cities of Nature. But, strange to say, it seems that this 
favorable material result only occurs in certain exceptional 
localities, where the presence of some one great and rare staple 
in universal demand gives an extraordinary value to the pro- 
duct of the land. I state, on reliable authority, that in the 
southwest part of Kentucky, where large estates are devoted 
to miscellaneous cultivation, it was, quite lately, almost the 
general rule, that the peculiar wealth in question was a burden 
to the owner. A gentleman, now in this city, informs me, that 
several years ego it was his duty, as Master Commissioner, to 
inquire into the estates of decedents in that section. Every 
one of tlie large planters whose affairs it became his duty to 
examine into, had died a bankrupt. 

But even in these favored localities, where large plantations 
are possible, the very success of such undertakings brings in its 



ORATION. 61 

train certain attendant evils which the statesman cannot well 
overlook. Enterprise becomes confined almost to a single ob- 
ject; the energy of tlie State engrossed in fostering one single 
overshadowing interest; and it soon becomes apparent that the 
welfare of the dominant class (as they construe it,) demands 
imperatively a special legislation inconsistent with such na- 
tional institutions as ours; that the democratic and aristocratic 
elements cannot abide together without strife, and that either 
must perish, or a severance be accomplished. 

My hearers will remember that the five southerly counties of 
this State, after repeated yearly petitioning, obtained from the 
Legislature, in 1859, an act, afterwards repealed, which pro- 
vided for their secession from California and their organization 
under a Territorial Government, whenever Congress should see 
fit to accept the trust. This measure, much condemned at the 
time, was little understood. In the race with the thrifty North, 
the Southern rancheros found themselves speedily outstripped; 
they foresaw the ruin that since has overtaken them. They 
felt instinctively that their vast possessions were antagonistic 
to the general spirit that prevailed in the rest of the State. 
They vaguely realized that they were being ruined by their 
very wealth, yet they clung to that wealth with the tenacity of 
despair. Reasoning logically enough from their own mistaken 
premises, they successfully resisted that invasion of settlers 
whose labors have converted the ranches of the North into 
prosperous farms, and they promoted the measure in question, 
with the not unreasonable hope that a separation from the sec- 
tion where the contrary policy prevailed, might delay, perhaps 
avoid altogether, the coming catastrophe. 

The relief which they deemed they needed was demanded, 
not with arms in their hands, but peacefully, through the chan- 
nels of legislation. It was generously granted under a clear 
conviction of its absolute necessity. 

Whether this incident sheds any light on the deplorable con- 
vulsion that now threatens the national life, and whether it 
points out how, but for fiery counsels and intemperate haste, 
the mortal struggle might have been averted, I leave my hear- 
ers to judge. But this remarkable event in the history of Call- 



62 ORATION. 

fornia certainly illustrates at once the weakness and the power, 
the helplessness and all absorbing ambition of a landed 
aristocracy placed fairly in contact with the hostile element. 
I trust that the drift of these remarks will not be misunder- 
stood. Their sole purpose has been to call attention to some 
facts in our State's history which illustrate certain well known 
laws of political economy. It is no part of my aim to invoke 
the aid of legislation. I should as soon propose a sumptuary as 
an agrarian law. Neither have I designed, in pointing out the 
legitimate results of the system of Latifundia, to signal any 
serious social danger in our path. The day of Aristocracy —a 
brilliant day — has waned. Its past has been morcusful, more 
noble, more effectual in the affairs of this world than History 
has yet been willing to allow. But that part has been played 
to the very end, and the curtain has fallen forever upon a faded 
pageant. It belongs not to this age. Wherever it still affects 
a visible existence, the force of habit or the dread of revolution 
accounts for the phenomenon. Its life is a galvanic life, fitful 
and artificial; or rather, what we now behold of it, is only 
a phantom of its former being which stalks in the dim twi- 
light, awaiting but to be questioned to disappear forever. 



Music — ^'Star Spangled Banner^' — By the Band. 



THE COLLATION. 



After the Oration of Mr. Lies, the Chaplain, Rev. A. Wil- 
liams, pronounced the benediction, when, upon the invitation 
of President Sutton, the Soci ety and invited guests adjourned 
to the basement, where an ample collation was spread, to which 
alldid ample justice. 

The Chairman of the " Committee on Toasts " being pre- 
vented by illness from being present, all Toasts offered after 
the first three, were impromptu, and called forth animated and 
eloquent replies. 

The first sentiment, offered by President 0. P. Sutton, was 
the grand motto of Webster, — "Liberty and Union, now and 
forever, one and inseparable." After the subsidence of the 
enthusiastic applause which this called out. Rev. T. Starr 
King, after being loudly called for, responded in one of his 
most racy and witty addresses — comparing the progress of the 
Pioneers of the Pacific with those of the Atlantic coast. 
Music — " Hail Columbia." 

Toast — ■" The Building Committee,'^ to whose taste, energy, 
and perseverance the Society stands indebted for its elegant 
and comfortable Home. 

Responded to briefly but forcibly by the Chairman of the 
Committee, W. B. Parwell. 

Music — " Home ^gain." 

Toast — " Our InviUd Guests." Proposed by President Sut- 
ton and responded to by N. L. Drew, Esq., President of the 
Sacramento Pioneer Association. 

Music — " Here's a Health." 

Toast — " The Montgomery Guard." Responded to by Ex- 
President Roach, who in a strain of fervid eloquence eulogized 
the sons of the Green Isle, and their noble devotion to the laud 
of their adoption. 

Toast — " General John A. Sutter, the veteran Pioneer." Pro- 
posed by Ex-President Roach, and drank with all the honors. 
Music—" Hail to the Chief:' 



64 COLLATION. 

Toast — James Lick, our friend and patro7i.^' Responded 
to by E. H. Washburn, who paid due honors to the liber- 
ality and kind feeling which had contributed in so marked a 
manner to the success of the enterprise, whose consummation 
we had met to celebrate. 

Music — " Should old acquaintance be forgot." 

Toast — " The President oj the United States." Responded to 
by Vice-President Jos. W. Winans, who in liis most eloquent 
vein delivered an eulogy upon the public and private merits of 
our Chief Magistrate. 

Mr. Wm. L. Duncan then read a letter from Governor Le- 
LAND Stanford, regretting his inability to be present, on ac- 
count of tlie meeting of the Corporation of the Pacific Rail- 
road, and proposing as a toast : " The California Pioneers and 
the Pacific Railroad — may the fraternal ties that unite the 
former be as strong and firm., and as enduring as the bond of 
unity between the Atlantic and the Pacific States, which will 
be assured by the completion of the latter." Drank with ac- 
clamation. 

Toast — " The Ladies." This time-lionored toast was given 
by Vice-President Winans, and responded to by Wm. Henry 
Tiffany, who, it is sufficient to say, did the subject that full 
and ample justice which was expected of him. 

Toasts were also given and responded to by Captain Hyde, 
General Winn, of Sacramento, Henry R. Reed, and during 
the progress of the entertainment, many others. The reunion 
was kept up, good fellowship snd fraternal feeling reigning 
supreme, until the waning daylight warned the members to 
separate, in order to prepare for the evening's entertainment. 



THE "INAUGURAL LEVEE." 



The Terpsichorean entertainment, in the evening, was more 
fully attended than any party ever given before in this city. 
Designed, at first, by the Pioneers as a reception, merely, it 
eventually swelled into the proportions of a magnificent ball ; 
where were displayed by the fair ones of our city, the most 
elegant toilettes, and, also, the most amiable indifference to 
the awful crushing they received. The entire building was 
thrown open — the supper room being in the basement ; the 
first and second stories devoted to dancing and the Operatic 
Concert, and the third to dressing and sitting rooms. The 
music furnished was superb ; the supper unexceptionable — but 
the new building was hardly large enough to accommodate 
the Society and their guests, over 1,800 being present. — 
Waltzing, until long after midnignt, was out of the question. 
Dancing was pursued under difficulties, and even promenad- 
ing was restricted. But ears were open, and all listened to 
the exquisite music of the Concert. The favorite singer, 
Madame Bianchi, was in fine voice and sang with much ex- 
pression and feeling; during the entertainment she was pre- 
sented by the Pioneers with an elegant testimonial of their 
esteem. 

The entire details of both the morning and evening festivi- 
ties were scrupulously attended to, and reflect much credit on 
the Committee of Arrangements. 



SPECIAL MEETING. 

January 28, 1863. 



Vice-President Winans in the chair. 

The chair announced that the meeting was called in order 
to pay the last tribute of respect and honor to a deceased fel- 
low member, James Fuller, who, althougli one of the youngest 
of the Pioneers, had been called while in the bloom of youth, 
and buoyant, hopeful anticipation, to tread the path to a more 
distant home. 

On motion of Mr. Duncan, 

Resolved. That the Chair appoint a committee of three to 
draft resolutions appropriate to the occasion. Carried. 

The Chair appointed Messrs. Wm. L. Duncan, Wm. H. Tif- 
fany, and Marshall Hubbard, who reported the following 
preamble and resolutions : 

Whereas, We are called together to mourn the loss of our 
brother Pioneer, James Fuller, who, in the very flower and 
spring-time of manhood, has been called from our midst : and 
whereas, he was cherished and esteemed by us, not only as a 
member of our Society, but as a.genial, warm hearted associate, 
a true and sincere friend, and an honorable, upright man, who, 
in all the relations of life, bore his part with credit: there- 
fore, be it 

Resolved, That this Society deeply deplore the untimely 
decease of our late brother member, whose youth gave such 
hopes of promise, and who, by his many good qualities, both 
of head and heart, had justly endeared himself to all. 

Resolved, That we tender to the bereaved widow and afilict- 
ed relations of the deceased, our heart-felt and sincere sym- 
pathies in this, their hour of trial, trusting that their sorrows 
will be cheered and mitigated by a firm reliance on that Su- 
preme and Beneficent Being, who a'onc controls our destinies. 

Resolved, That this Society, in respect to the memory of our 



SPECIAL MEETING. 67 

deceased "brother, follow his remains to their last resting place, 
and wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. 

Resolved, That these proceedings be entered upon the min- 
utes of the Society, and a copy presented to the family of the 
deceased. 

Wm. L. Duncan, ) 

Wm. Henry Tiffany, > Committee. 

M. Hubbard, ) 

The preamble and resolutions were unanimously carried. 

The chair appointed as Pall-Bearers, Messrs. B. 0. Devoe, 
W. K. Van Alen, J. Lewis Hunt, and Wm. L. Duncan. 

The members of the Society then moved to the residence of 
the family of the deceased, and thence to St. Mary's Cathedral. 

Wm. L. Duncan, Secretary. 



REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING, 

Monday, February 2, 1863. 
Vice-President J. W. Winans in the Chair. 
The minutes of last meeting were read and approved. 

ELECTION OP MEMBERS. 

The Chair appointed as Tellers, 

Wm. Henry Tiffany, A. D. Piper, 

H. E. Robinson, H. C. Kibbe, 

J. Lewis Hunt, W. T. Reilley. 

On motion of S. R. Harris, 

Resolved — That the Tellers be authorized to retire to count 

the ballots to the Secretary's office. Carried. 

REPORTS OP COMMITTEES. 

Mr. W. B, Farwell, Chairman of the Building Committee, 
made the following report : 

To the President and Members of the Society of California Pio- 
neers : 
Gentlemen — The business entrusted to the Building Com- 
mittee is not fully completed, and hence a final report cannot 
be made. The Committee deem it their duty, however, to ren- 
der to the Society a statement of their transactions thus far, 
from which they trust a satisfactory idea ot the result of the 
building enterprise may be obtained. 

The total cost of the building, including foundation, furnish- 
ing and fitting up complete, is $24,941 49 

This amount is created by the following items : 

Contract price for erection of building $14,740 00 

Cost of excavation and foundation ... 2,G00 00 

Contractors bill for extras 960 00 

Cost of slating roof 455 22 

do marble mantels 658 00 

do plumbing work 911 20 

do bowling alleys and fixtures . . 975 00 

do plaster, centre frieze, etc 229 33 

do bell lianging and speaking tubes 125 00 

do extra painting ; sky-lights 100 00 



REGULAR MEETING. 69 

do partitions, ect 37 00 

do book cases 476 00 

do three library tables 90 00 

do carpets, window shades, etc 1,1G6 80 

do chairs 176 50 

do extra fine work , 14 10 

do gas fixtures, J. K. Prior 654 65 

do iron work, Peter Donahue 1,238 65 

Of this amount there remains unpaid, $3,688 94, exclusive of 
amount with contractors, not yet settled, being between the 
committee and contractors. 

With the exception of about $1,250 of this sum, payment 
has been arranged upon such terms as is believed by the Com- 
mittee will enable the Society to meet it without embarrassment. 
There is on hand, also, a sufficient amount of cash to pay off 
the greater part of this amount now due. Until a final settle- 
ment will be made with the contractors, no complete and de- 
tailed report can be presented. This settlement will bo made 
at the earliest practicable moment. The total cost of the build- 
ing has considerably exceeded the original estimates. This, 
however, the Committee has found unavoidable, as an exami- 
nation of the items of their expenditures will show. The cost 
of putting in the foundation was $1,500 more than was esti- 
mated by any one who examined the work prior to its com- 
mencement. To this is 1o be added those indispensable items 
heretofore enumerated, and which could not have been avoided 
without detracting seriously from the completeness of the 
building. 

The Committee have studiously endeavored to avoid ex- 
travagance, and can only submit the results which the building 
and its contents offer to any and every observer, in vindication 
of their action. 

If the aggregate cost of the construction of the building has 
exceeded the general expectation of members, the increase of 
the Society's revenue has been in like ratio. In fact, not- 
withstanding the unexpected excess of expenditures, the excess 
of resources, past and present, arising from the inception 
and prosecution of the building enterprise, has been more 
gratifying than was anticipated by the most sanguine. The 



70 REGULAR MEETING. 

net financial results obtained, therefore, can scarcely fail to 
be in the highest degree satisfactory. 

The whole number of life members at the date of the adop- 
tion of the proposition to erect the building, was 64. There 
are now 143. The whole number of candidates proposed for 
membership, for the ten months prior to the adoption of the 
building proposition, was 25. The wliole number proposed 
from tliat date to the present, less than ten months, is 400. 
The montlily income ot the Society, from rents, dues, etc., will 
in a brief period exceed $1,500, with every prospect of a 
steady increase above that amount — showing that we are 
entering upon an era of unexpected and almost unexampled 
prosperity, and opening a future for this association beaming 
witli great promise. 

The total monthly interest owing by the Society is $120, or 
one per cent, on $12,000, — for which amount the property is 
mortgaged. At the rate of increase from dues, etc., which the 
past ten months have exhibited, the time is comparatively near 
at hand when there will be on hand an accumulated sinking 
fund of $1000 per month, over and above all expenses. It may 
be confidently expected, therefore, that in less than two years 
the Society will be out of debt, and in a position of command- 
ing influence — powerful for the accomplishment of a great 
public good. But upon this it is not now necessary for your 
Committee to enlarge. At the earliest possible moment they 
trust to be enabled to render a full and satisfactory report of 
their stewardship, and to show that (so far) although they may 
not have increased that which was intrusted to their keeping 
an hundred fold, they at least have not, like the wicked and 
slothful steward, buried their talent in the ground, where it 
would produce nothing. Until then they will reserve their 
congratulations to their fellow members upon the splendid 
future that is before us, growing out of the accomplishment of 
this most successful undertaking. 

W. B. Farwell, Chairman. 

San Francisco, February, 1863. 

On motion, the report, as one of progress, was accepted, and 
the Committee continued. 



REGULAR MEETING. 71 

Jos. W. Winans, Chairman of tliG Committee on Honorary 
Membership, reported as follows : 

The Special Committee on honorary membership, who were 
appointed at the last monthly meeting, respectfully report : — 
That they deem it expedient, and therefore recommend to this 
Society, to sustain the spirit of Section 14 of the By-Laws, by 
rejecting all broad and latitudinarian construction, and en- 
forcing the most rigid observance of its terms, so as hereafter 
to admit none into fellowship with the names of Lick, Sutter, 
and Fremont, into honorary membership of this Society, who 
have not rendered the most important, valuable and distin- 
guished services to this Society, the State of California, or the 
United States. 

But inasmuch as the growing magnitude of this community, 
and the augmenting influence of the Society itself, equally de- 
mand an increase of its social privileges, your Committee 
further recommend the creation of a new order of persons in 
its organization, to be denominated, " Permanent Visiting 
Associates," who shall be entitled to all the social privileges 
of the Society, and the right of permanent .uninterrupted access 
to, and enjoyment of its rooms, galleries, cabinets, library and 
collections of literary, artistic, or scientific objects, for the full 
term and period of their natural lives, without payment of any 
periodic dues or charges, and their being elected duly to such 
station by the votes of not less than fifty members, on such ap- 
plication, in such manner, and pursuant to such conditions and 
requirements as are presented in Section YII. of the By-Laws, 
and npon paying an initiation or admission fee of one hundred 
dollars each, — provided, that not less than five negative votes 
shall be required to reject an applicant and defeat his election. 
Provided further, that no such associate, although duly elected, 
shall ever sign the Constitution, or be entitled to any vote, or 
hold any office in the Society. And provided further, that 
every such associate shall be subject in all respects to the pro- 
visions of Article XVII of the Constitution, for any miscon- 
duct either in this Society or the community at large. 

Joseph W. Winans, W. B. Farwell, ) Committee. 
John 0. Earl, S. R. Harris, 5 



72 REGULAR MEETING. 

On motion the report was accepted. 

The Chair eiiggcsted that time for reflection be allowed 
before the report be acted on. 

Mr. Shew moved to amend as follows : that three votes 
reject instead of five. 

On motion of Mr. -Farwell : 

Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to have the report 
printed and sent to each member of the Society. Carried. 

Mr. Randall, Chairman of the Committee on Records, read 
a report, which, on motion of Mr. Van Alen, was accepted. 

Debate on the printing of the Records, participated in by 
Messrs. Winans, FarwcU, Randall, Stout, and others. 

On motion of Mr. Winans, it was 

Resolved, Tliat the Report be recommitted to the Committee, 
with a recommendation to provide for the printing of the 
future Records, and be allowed to report at a special meeting 
of the Society on February 16th, 1863. Carried. 

On motion of Mr. Dwindle it was 

Resolved, That the Report of the Committee on Honorary 
Membership be acted on at a special meeting of the Society^ 
to be held February 16th, 1863. 

Mr. Winans read the following amendments to Article I, of 
the Constitution, which he gave notice he would move for 
action on the next regular meeting of the Society, March 2d, 
1863. [See p. 11 Constitution as amended.] 

Dr. Stout, Chairman of the Committee on Natural History 
reported favorable progress, and read a communication to the 
Committee of the Supervisors, requesting that the aerolite, 
given to the city of San Francisco by General Carlton, might 
be presented to the Society of California Pioneers, promising 
therefor to make a full report on the subject of a3rolites. 

On motion of J. W. Winans : 

Resolved, That from the first of January, 1863, the salary of 
the Secretary of this Society, be the sum of one hundred and 
fifty dollars per month. Carried. 

On motion of S. R. Harris : 

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the 
President of this Society, whose term of ofiice shall be one 



REGULAR MEETING. 73 

year, and whose duty it shall be to visit every sick member, 
and to tender them, in behalf of the Society, such aid as may 
be necessary to their comfort or relief. 

Resolved, That the same committee, on behalf of the Society, 
shall visit the widow of any deceased member, who in their 
judgment may require the advice or pecuniary aid of its mem- 
bers. 

Resolved, That all oruhans of its members who may require 
proper counsel to guard and protect them from vice and crime, 
be sought after by this committee, and their situation reported 
to the Society. 

Resolved, That all moneys necessary at present, to carry out 
the objects of the above resolutions, be collected by voluntary 
subscriptions among its members. 

Resolved, That the services of such physicians as are mem- 
bers of this Society be tendered (with their consent,) to any 
sick member who may be destitute, and require such attention. 
Carried unanimously. 
On motion of Mr. C. R. Bond : 

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to form a 
Lecture Committee, to arrange for a course of lectures for the 
benefit of this Society: Carried. 

After a recess of some sixty minutes, upon reassembling and 
being called to order, the Tellers announced the following 
result of the ballot for new members : 
Elected — 62. 
J. W. Osborne, R. W. Collins, 

Thomas Hardy, Charles B. Marvin, 

Thomas Cole, Lewis Berton, 

John Center, H. Toler Booraem, 

Joseph N. Rauschj Edward P. Stone, 

Charles Scroth, William H. Brunuer, 

Louis Sloss, Emile A. Engelburg, 

E. G. Waite, W. C. Kellum, 

Addison Martin, William Willis, 

Cornelius Storm, Edward A. Poole, 

Samuel D. Jones, William Ford, 

William V. Wells, A. Powell, jr., 

Joseph F. Bassett, Lucius Powers, jr., 

William D. Folger, Reuben Morton, 



74 REGULAR MEETING. 

F. S. Stevens, A; K. P. Harmon, 

Amos Gale, Beniamin F. Hastings, 

J. B. Lynde, R. C. Kirby, 

S. B. Marklcv, C. L. Parent, jr., 

Wm. W. Ncal, jr., W. G. English, 

C. S. Moxlcy, Alfred Barstow, 

Henry L. King, jr., H. J. Clayton, 

C.C.Webb, James H. Kellogg, 

Moses S. Almy, George H. Peck, 
George W. Patterson, jr., Wm. P. Loring, 

N. Larco, Peter Dean, 

J. W. Conner, Wm. J. Lewis, 

J. C. Wilmerding, Edgar Mills, 

John D. Spear, jr., J. Henry Riley. 

Wm. M. Lent, Lafayette Story, 

J. B. Fry, Samuel J. De Wolf, 

A. L. Edwards, James Lemman. 

Withdrawn, 3. Rejected, 5. 

Signed by the Committee. 

The Chair announced the sixty-two candidates first named 
duly elected and members of this Society. 

The Chair announced that several donations had been made 
to the Society, viz : 

By John 0. Earl, Esq., an elegant clock for the Hall. 

By Jasper J. Papy, Esq., a rare history of California. 

By John Middleton, Esq., all commissions on sale of effects 
at old rooms. 

Mr. Randall gave notice that at the next regular meeting of 
the Society he would move to amend Article Y, of the Consti- 
tution, by introducing the appointment of another officer to be 
elected annually, by the Society, viz. : a Marshal. 

The Chair appointed as the Lecture Committee, Messrs. 
Charles R. Bond, A. B. Stout, E. H. Washburn. 

On motion, adiourned to meet February 16th, 1863. 

Wm. L. Duncan, Secretary, 



SPECIAL MEETING. 

February 16, 18G3. 

The President, 0. P. Sutton, in the Chair. 

The report of the Committee on Honorary Membership was 
read. 

Mr. J. W. Winans moved that the report of Committee on 
Records be read. 

Debate on reading the report, participated in by Messrs. 
Winans, Randall, Clark, Brannan, and others. 

Mr. John W. Dwindle rose to a point of order : " Could the 
report be read if altered from the one read to the Society on 
February 2d, last?" 

The Chair ruled, that if the report had been materially 
altered, it could not be acted on until the next meeting. 

Question on the motion of Mr. Winans, that the report be 
read. 

Division — Ayes, 31 ; noes, 20. Carried. 

The report was then read by Mr. Randall, Chairman of the 
Committee : 

To the President, Officers, and Members of the Society of Califor- 
nia Pioneers : 

Gentlemen — Your former Committee on Records having 
stated to you that the entire records of the transactions of the 
Society were in an incomplete and defective condition, your 
present Committee appointed, in consequence, to revise the 
records, to correct them and to reorganize them, that their 
completeness and preservation might be re-established and 
assured, respectfully report as follows : 

On the 17th of January, 1863, your Committee received 
from the Secretary, the entire manuscript Records of its pro- 
ceedings which the Society possesses, and the Committee hav- 
ing revised the papers, fully confirm the statement of their 
incomplete and defective condition, as reported by your former 
Committee. 

1st. From the formation of the Society in the year 1850, to 
the 6th day of July, 1853, no written minutes whatever of the 



76 SPECIAL MEETING. 

transactions of the Society exist ; your Committee are informed 
that they were destroyed by fire in the years 1850 or 1851. 

2d. The records which extend from the Gth of July, 1853, 
to the 7th day of July, 1855, appear to be complete, and are 
handsomely written, but are frequently interrupted by the in- 
sertion of slips cut from newspapers, loosely pasted upon the 
Records and liable to be lost. 

3d. The transactions, which extend from July 7tli, 1855, to 
July 7th, 1858. are full in regard to facts, but leave much to 
desire in the style with which they have been colaboratcd ; they 
are also broken by tlie introduction of slips cut from newspa- 
pers. This record will require to be entirely rewritten. 

4th. The Records from July 7th, 1858, to 7th July, 1862, 
exhibit great neglect and confusion. Such transactions as have 
been regularly written up, are correct and elegantly executed, 
but want the proper signatures for their completion. The 
transactions of many meetings, however, exist only in the first 
notes, — have never been regularly registered, and are in a 
state of confusion. To correct this state of things, the trans- 
actions alluded to under the first head, will require to be en- 
tirely compiled anew. For this object, your Committee have 
already gathered some of the materials, and are in process of 
collecting more. 

The proceedings under the second head will require to be 
detached from the general record ; those under the third head 
must be carefully revised and entirely rewritten ; while those 
under the fourth head, require to be written up and completed. 
The whole work may then be rebound, and will constitute a 
uniform manuscript of the general minutes and proceedings, 
and when completed will be presented to the Society for adop- 
tion, as its legal and regular transactions. 

But with this reformation of the Records, the most interest- 
ing events of the Society's existence are necessarily omitted, 
the description of its anniversaries, its ceremonies, and its pa- 
geants. The orations, the original poems which they elicited, 
are not contained therein. The pamphlets published after such 
occasions are nearly exhausted, and soon, all these interesting 
events which form the landmarks of the Society will exist only 



SPECIAL MEETING., 77 

in the files of old newspapers. The records of the honors ren- 
dered to our deceased members will share the same fate. 

To correct all these evils ; to prevent the future loss of the 
Society's records by fire or other calamities ; to provide against 
the inaccuracies of all future Secretaries ; to organize a full 
edition of the Society's transactions ; to give an incentive 
to the literary efforts of the members, and to form a medium 
of exchange witli which to obtain the transactions of other 
Societies ; your Committee beg leave to recommend the fol- 
lowing plan : 

1st. The formation of a Standing Committee on Publication. 

2d. The incorporation in the by-laws of the Society of the 
following Duties of the Publication Comtnittee : 

1st. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Publication, 
every two months, to inspect the Records of the Secretary, 
and report if such records (as well of the general Society as of 
the Board of Directors), are regularly written up in a precise, 
correct and handsome manner, and signed by the proper 
officers of the Society. 

2d. To take a copy of such transactions and prepare them 
for publication, together with the reports of Standing Com- 
mittees and Special Committees, addresses, orations, poems, 
and other original papers, and prepare them for publication, 
under the title of " The Transactions of the Society of Califor- 
nia Pioneers." 

3d. With the transactions of each period of four months, a 
certain portion of the back transactions up to January 1st, 
1863, shall be published, until the whole shall be completed. 
This publication shall be then continued in such a manner, 
that the transactions of every four months shall be ready to be 
issued immediately at the expiration of said term of four 
months. 



ESTIMATE. 

One thousand pamphlets of forty-eight pages in small pica 
type, leaded, may be had at an outside or maximum price of 
from $130 to $150 — inclusive of occasional variation of type, 



78 SPECIAL MEETING. 

and varying according to the varying price of paper in the 
market. 

Forty-eight pages will contain two ordinary lectures or ora- 
tions — will contain the ordinary transactions of the Society 
for four months. Reports of Special Committees seldom occupy 
more than two printed pages. Reports of Standing Commit- 
tees from ten to twenty-six pages. All the ceremonies at the 
laying of the corner-stone of the Pioneer Hall, with descrip- 
tion, oration, poem, etc., are printed in twenty-six octavo pages. 
Hence, forty-eight octavo pages may be assumed as sufficient 
for four months transactions, varying somewhat in accordance 
with the jjctivity of the Society. 

If, then, on the first of May, 1863, forty-eight such pages be 
published, viz. : the transactions of the Society from January 
to May, 1863 — together with forty-eight pages of back trans- 
actions, the two thousand copies may be stated at $300 or less. 
About ten or twelve numbers of forty-eight pages will bring 
up all the back transactions, of which one, two, or three may 
appear each four months, as circumstances permit. Tlic Com- 
mittee hence compute that by a subscription from every mem- 
ber of tlie Society, say four hundred members, of fifty cents, 
for forty-eight octavo pages, the whole work may be rapidly 
completed for the back transactions, and be thus continued for 
several years while the Society may be in debt, after which 
date it is evident, from the small price involved, that the 
Society may publish its transactions without extra charge to 
its members. 

The charge or subscription of fifty cents per number, when 
one thousand copies cost but $150, is thus explained : four 
hundred numbers are required for the immediate distribution 
to members ; three hundred numbers reserved for future ex- 
changes, filling up of sets and waste, and three hundred for 
extra numbers to members, donation, exchange, and public 
circulation. 

In thus showing that the transactions, past, present and fu- 
ture, may be easily published at a moderate expense, readily 
paid in cash, in proportion to the importance of the material 
and the rapidity of its production, and without the peril of 



SPECIAL MEETING. 79 

incurring a new debt upon the Society at largo — nor of im- 
peding tlie payment of present obligations, your Committee 
feel justified in respectfully suggesting the following resolu- 
tion : 

Resolved, That every member of tlie Society subscribe for 
one copy of the published Transactions of the Society, at the 
rate of fifty cents for every forty-eight octavo pages, pub- 
lished at intervals of four months, (exclusive of the numbers of 
back transactions.) 

Your Committee will add that the Secretary has procured 
a new Record Book, as previously recommended, which has 
been commenced in a very creditable manner. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

A. G. Randall, 
Arthur B. Stout, 
H. B. Livingston, 

Debate on its reception by Messrs. Papy, Dwindle, Clark, 
and Randall. 

The Chair ruled that no motion was before the meeting. 

Mr. Winans moved that the report be received and further 
action thereon postponed until the next regular meeting of 
the Society. 

Mr. Dwindle moved to amend as follows : That the report 
of the Committee on Records be printed under the direction 
of the Secretary, and sent to each member of the Society, with 
notice that action thereon be taken at the next regular meeting. 
Amendment accepted. 

Mr. Dwindle then addressed the meeting relative to the 
necessity of preserving the archceology of the Society, and 
eulogistic of the zeal of the Committee on Records ; also, sug- 
gesting the publication of a quarterly re[)ort of the Society's 
proceedings, illustrated by portraits of its deceased prominent 
members. 

Mr. Washburn replied, relative to the report, objecting to 
its printing, on account of certain portions of it reflecting on 
the former Secretaries of the Society. 

Debate by Messrs. Dwindle, Papy, Shew and Winans, and 
also Washburn, Randall and others, during which Mr. Ran- 



80 SPECIAL MEETING. 

dall stated that the Committee entertained no unkind feeling 
towards the late or former Secretaries, but deemed it their 
duty to state fully the condition in which they had found the 
Records and Minutes of the Society. 

Mr. Washburn moved to divide the question. 

Mr. Papy moved, as a substitute, that the report be recom- 
mitted to the committee, and acted on at the next monthly 
meeting. 

Dr. Stout explained that the present report contained no un- 
kind allusions to the former Secretaries. 

Mr. Randall, then, at the request of numerous members, and 
by the direction of the chair, read a portion of the report — 
that relative to the action of former Secretaries. 

Mr. W. T. Reilly moved that the whole subject be laid on 
the table. 

Mr. Papy moved an adjournment. 

Division — Ayes, 18 ; noes, 34. Lost. 

On motion of Mr. Washburn, that the report of the commit- 
tee on Honorary Membership be now read. Carried. 

The Secretary read the report. 

Mr. J. C. L. Wadsworth moved that the report be adopted, 
explaining his motion by stating that it was in order to kill it, 
as he deemed the measure impolitic and unnecessary. 

Debate on the adoption by Messrs. Wadsworth Dwinelle, 
Winans, Earl, and others. 

Question, on motion of Mr. Wadsworth, that the report be 
adopted. Lost, by a unanimous vote. 

On motion, adjourned. 

0. P. Sutton, Preset. W. L. Duncan, Sec'y. 



SPECIAL MEETING. 

February 21st, 1863. 

Vice-President Winans in the Chair. 

The Chair announced, on calling the meeting to order, that 
the Society had been convened for the purpose of assist- 
ing in the laying of the corner-stone of the monument to Hon. 
David C. Broderick, a deceased member of the Society, read- 
ing, at the same time, an invitation to the members to partici- 



SPECIAL MEETING. 81 

pate in tlio ceremonies, emanating from the Executive Com- 
mittee. 

The Cliair commented upon the character and attributes of 
Mr. Broderick, who was a man of strong- merits of character, 
great energy and perseverance, and determined mind. Sprung 
from the ranks of the people, he achieved the highest honors ; 
mingling with those in exalted station, he was not proud ; 
mingling with the weak, lie was not effominate. lie was a man 
of strongl}' original traits of character, of many virtues, and of 
few faults. 

Mr. Brannan moved tiiat the invitation be accepted, and the 
Society participate in the ceremonies of the occasion. 

Mr. Randall moved, as a substitute, the following preamble 
and resolution : 

Whereas, arrangements are being made by our fellow citi- 
zens (through their Executive Committee, appointed in Novem- 
ber, 1859), to lay, on Monday next, the corner-stone of a 
monument to be erected to our late fellow member, David C. 
Broderick. And whereas, this Society, is again dis])o.scd to 
show its recognition of the merits of the late United States 
Senator from California, as a distinguished man ; and also to 
contribute in rendering appropriate honors to the memory of 
a worthy Pioneer. 

Resolved, That this Society participate in the ceremonies of 
laying the corner-stone, as above. 

Resolved, That the Society appoint a Marshal to conduct the 
procession, etc., on the occasion. 

Mr. Randall also announced that the members of the Execu- 
tive Committee had informed him that no invitations had been 
sent to any Society, and that therefore the invition to the Pio- 
neers was not regular. 

Mr. J. P. Buckley replied, as one of the Broderick Monu- 
ment Executive Committee, that the invitation to the Society 
of California I'ioneers was given on account of the dccca.<cd 
having been a member. 

The Secretary read a letter from the Executive Committee, 
in regard to their wish to sec the Society participate in the 
ceremonies of the occasion. 
6 



82 SPECIAL MEETING. 

Debate. — Was the invitation sufficient ? By Messrs. Randall, 
Buckley, Clark, Washburn, Brannan, and others. 

The Chair ruled that the communication from the Executive 
Committee was an invitation. 

Mr. Smyth Clark appealed from the decision of the Chair. 

Motion put. The Chair sustained. 

Question on resolution of Mr. Brannan. Carried. 

Mr. A. D. Piper moved that the preamble and resolution 
offered by Mr. A. G. Randall be adopted. 

Mr. Brannan moved to amend, by omitting the appointment 
of a Marshal. Accepted. 

Question on resolution of Mr. Randall. Carried. 

Mr. Buckley stated that omnibuses would be furnished by 
the committee for the Society, but that if a large representa- 
tion of the Legislature should appear, there would not be 
enough for all, and that at one o'clock the companies would 
start. 

Mr. Clark moved that coaches be procured for the Society. 

Mr. Washburn moved that the Society be requested to as- 
semble at one o'clock, p. m., on Monday, in order to participate 
in. the ceremonies, and that the officers of the Society be author- 
ized to make arrangements for their conveyance. Carried. 

On motion, adjourned. 
0. P. b^uTTON, W. L. Duncan, 

President. Secretary. 



SPECIAL MEETING. 

February 23, 1863. 

The President, 0. P. Sutton, in the Chair. 

The Chair stated that the Society was convened in order to 
attend the laying of the corner stone of the monument to 
David C. Broderick, a deceased member of this Society, in 
accordance witli a motion made at the last meeting. 

Mr. J. J. Papy, then addressed the Society at some length, 
eulogistic of the life and public services of the distinguished 
deceased, who from an humble and impoverished condition of 



SPECIAL MEETING. 83 

life had raised himself unaided, to one of the highest in the 
gift of the people, and the very highest in the gift of his 
adopted State. 

Mr. Duncan then announced that omnibuses had been pro- 
vided by the Executive Monument Committee, and were now- 
awaiting the members — on which the meeting adjourned. 

The Society, numbering some fifty members, formed at tlic 
gate of Lone Mountain Cemetery and moved to the site of the 
monument, one of the most elevated in the grounds, where the 
services, including the Oration, by the Orator of the day, 
Nathan D. Porter, were held. 

0. P. Sutton, Pres't. Wm. L. Duncan, Sec''y. 



SPECIAL MEETING. 

February 27, 1863. 

Vice-President Richard Chenery in the Chair. 

The Chair announced that the Society had been called to- 
gether to pay the last tribute of respect to the remains of our 
fellow-member, Lewis Gibson, by attending his interment. 

On motion of Mr. Duncan, the Chair appointed a committee 
of three to present resolutions expressive of the sense of this 
Society on the present occasion. Carried. 

The Chair appointed Messrs. A. B. Stout, C. R. Bond, and 
Wm. Fell, who after a recess, returned to the reading room, 
where the Society was assembled, and reported as follows : 

Whereas, the Society of California Pioneers learn with 
deep regret the decease of Lewis Gibson, its late fellow-mem- 
ber ; therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the Society offers it sincere condolence to his 
widow in her sad bereavement, and requests its committee to 
convey to her this expression of its respectful sympathy in her 
affliction. 

OBITUARY. 

The late Lewis Gibson arrived in California on the 28th 
day of February, 1849, a passenger on the first steamship 
which anchored in the bay of San Francisco. Uc was born in 



84 SPECIAL MEETING. 

Florida, though his family residence at the time was at St. 
Mary's, Georgia, and died at tlie age of fifty-nine years, after 
a protracted illness at his estate, near Napa. In youth he was 
the ornament of a widely known family, among the most hos- 
pitable, distinguished, for his hospitality ; in manhood, a mer- 
chant of the strictest integrity ; in his more advanced age, a 
man who bowed with tlic most uncomplaining resignation to 
the fiat of Heaven. 

Through a painful illness he manifested the courage of a 
gentle Christian, and submitted to his sufferings without a 
murmur. For a time the reverses incident to so many early 
Pioneers, ruined his fortunes, but neither broke his spirit, nor 
injured the confidence men were Avont to repose in his charac- 
ter. When fortune was again propitious, without a stain upon 
his name, he resumed his commercial position. Soon a severe 
malady induced him to seek the more genial atmosphere of the 
country, there to terminate his career as he began it, the hos- 
pitable manorial proprietor, esteemed in all his surroundings. 
Like one whom it gave Heaven pleasure to smile on for a life 
of uprightness, he has been permitted, life's pains overcome, to 
close his eyes in the serene and peaceful contemplation of 
his orchard;; and his vineyards. 

Could his liberal and extended projects have been accom- 
plished, an elegantly ornamented estate would have remained 
as the fitting monument of a life true to itself, and generous to 
the world. 

On motion of Mr. Duncan, the resolutions and obituary 
were unanimously adopted and ordered to be spread upon the 
minutes. 

The Chair appointed as pall-bearers on behalf of the Society, 
Messrs. H. E. Ilobinson and Wm. Fell. 

On motion adjourned. 

Wm. L. Duncan, Secretary. 

The members of the Society after its adjournment proceeded 
to the Lick House, where were the remains of the deceased, 
and thence to the " Church of the Advent," on Howard street, 
where the funeral services were held. The i)all-bearers alone 



SPECIAL MEETING. 85 

accompanying the funeral cortege to the Lone Mountain 
Cemetery. 



REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING. 

Monday, March 2, 1863. 
Ex-President S. R. Harris in the Chair. 
The minutes of the last four meetings were read and ap- 
proved. 

ELECTION OF MEMBERS. 

The Cliair appointed as Tellers 

T. E. Buckingham, J. H, Gardiner, 

A. D. Piper, E. A. Cook, 

T. G. Kohler. 

Mr. Papy called for a report from the Committee on Photo- 
graphs. 

Mr. Perkins, Chairman of said Committee, reported ver- 
bally as follows : That some seventy photographs were ready 
for the third voiume, needing only thirty more to fill it out for 
its completion. He rrged the members to come forward and 
by paying the Secretary $1 50 each, procure orders on Mr. 
Sellick, tlie photographic artist. 

Mr. Papy called for a more full and detailed statement from 
the Committee, as to the antecedent Committee, and if they had 
received any money, enquired what had been done with it. 
He therefore moved that the matter be recommitted, to be re- 
ported upon more fully. 

Mr. Duncan called for the report of the Committee on Pliy- 
eical Geography, stating that his object Avas to keep the mat- 
ter before the Society and maintain its interest. 

Mr. Piper, the Chairman, replied that the Committee liad in 
preparation a report which he would soon read. 

Mr. Duncan, in continuation, stated, that all praise was duo 
to Mr. Piper, who had displayed commendable zeal and energy 
in preparing his report, and who now was engaged in making 
a large and elaborate map to illustrate it, and suggested that 



86 REGULAR MEETING 

whenever he was ready to read his report or lecture to the 
Society, an announcement should be made through tlie public 
press. 

Mr. Randall called up the subject of the report of the Com- 
mittee on Records ; wishing to know the action of the meeting 
of February 2d upon it. 

The Secretary read the debate upon the subject, from the 
minutes, and the motion of Mr. Reilly, " That the subject be 
laid on the table.'' 

Mr. Papy stated, that the report being laid upon the table, 
all other business must be finished before it could be brought 
up. 

Dr. Stout also called up the report, and thought it could be 
taken up at any time. 

Mr. Reilly explained, that when he moved to lay the subject 
on the table, the report was in the hands ol the Committee. 

Debate — participated in by Messrs. Papy, Randall, Duncan, 
Perkins, Reilly, and others. 

The Chair ruled that the report of the Committee could be 
brought up at any time as unfinished business. 

Mr. Papy then moved that the report of the Committee on 
Records be now called up. Carried. 

Dr. Stout announced that the Committee had modified their 
report, and now asked permission to read it in its new form. 

The Chair asked the opinion of the meeting whether the 
Committee could read the amended reports. Answered affirm- 
atively. 

Mr. Randall, Chairman of the Committee, then read the 
report. — [Sec proceedings of Meeting of February 16, 1863.] 

On motion of Mr. J. J. Papy, the report was accepted. 

Mr. Papy now moved that the report be adopted. 

Mr. Piper remarked, that before the resolution passed, it 
would be proper for the Society to consider its financial condi- 
tion, as from his knowledge of its affairs, it needed all its 
funds. 

Debate on the resolution by Messrs. Piper, Papy, Ilutchiugs, 
Duncan, Stout, Randall, Earl and Reilly. 



REGULAR MEETING. 87 

Mr. W. T, Reilly asked if the Committee was permanent, or 
did its duties cease with its report. 

Mr. Randall replied, that the rci)ort provided for a Publi- 
cation Committee. 

Question on Mr. Papy's resolution, adopting the report and 
resolution. Carried. 

On motion of Mr. J. 0. Earl, it was 

Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed on Publi- 
cation. Carried. 

Mr. W. L. Duncan inquired if the committee were to have 
full powers. 

Mr. J. 0. Earl replied, that the Committee would act under 
the advice of the Board of Directors. 

Debate on Mr. Earl's resolution by Messrs. Randall, Stout, 
Roach, Papy and others. 

The meeting authorized the Chair to appoint the Commitee. 

Messrs. Earl and Randall pleaded business engagements, 
which would prevent their giving the attention it should 
receive. 

The Chair refused to receive their excuses, and reannounced 
their appointment as final. 

The Secretary announced that the following donations had 
been made during the month, viz.: 

A book of photographic copies of the papers in the Liman- 
tour case. Presented by Edward Conway and R. C. Hopkins. 

Engraved silver plate for the clock. Presented by Albert 
Kiiner. 

Congressional Globe and Appendix for 1861 and 1862. 
Presented by F. F. Low. 

Specimen of silver ore from the Mexican mine. Presented 
by J. P. Corrigan. 

Mr. Randall moved that the thanks of the Society be ten- 
dered, through the Secretary, to the gentlemen named above. 
— Carried. 

The Secretary read the amendment to the Constitution 
proposed by Mr. A. G-. Randall at the meeting of February 2d, 
1863. 

Mr. Duncan gave notice, that in consequence of the absence 



REGULAR MEETING. 



of Mr, J. "W. Winans, the proposed amendments to the Con- 
stitution offered by him, would lay over until the next regular 
meeting. 

Mr. A. G. Randall moved the adoption of the amendment to 
the Constitution offered by him, creating the office of Marshal, 
and elective on July 7tli of each year. 

Mr. Papy moved that the ayes and noes be called. 

Question on Mr. Randall's amendment. Ayes, 17 ; noes, 20. 

The Chair ruled tliat the question was lost, but owing to the 
small number present, the matter would lie over until the next 
regular meeting. 

A motion that tlic Society take a recess, was carried. An 
interval of some fifteen minutes elapsed, when upon being 
called to order, the Tellers, liaving completed their canvass, 
announced the following result, viz.: 
Elected — 33. 



S. J. Bookstavcr. 
Warren J. Sexton, 
A. J. Snyder, 
John C. IJirdscye, 
James Whartcnby, 
Wm. H. Bovee, 
Daniel Djjvis, 
Peter H. Burnett, 
Wm. Fowlo Smith, 
Henry E. Green, 
Henry C. Downing, 
John S. Halleck, 
J. M. Birdsell, 
Alonzo McCloud, 
Frederick Ogdcn, 
John Kehoc, 



Daniel R. Provost, 
George W. Kenney. 
Adrien Poursillie, 
Francis Cassin, 
H. F. Wadsworth, 
Henry Williams, 
John Van Bergen, 
Lorenzo Protolongo, 
Thomas H. Selby, 
R. J. Hill, 
R. F. Reynolds, 
John n. Carroll, 
George H. Baker, 
Wm. A. King, 
D. E. Root, 
Daniel S. Roberts, 
Horace Morrison. 
Rejected, 3. Withdrawn, 1. 



On motion, adjourned. 
0. P. Sutton, 

Presideiit. 



Wm. L. Duncan, 

Secretary. 



REGULAE MONTHLY MEETING. 

Monday, April 6, 1863. 

Ex-President S. R. Harris in the Chair. 

The minutes of the last raeetini^ were read and approved. 

The Chair announced, that in order to expedite Lusiness tlie 
election of members would at once be commenced, and ap- 
pointed as Tellers, Messrs. A. D. Piper, D. S. Dykeman, Jacob 
Shew and J. W. Conner, who proceeded to canvass the ballots. 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 

Dr. A. B. Stout remarked that the Committee on Publica- 
tion had appointed him Chairman ; also, that the committee 
were making favorable progress, and that on the 15th of next 
month, a number, or perhaps two, of the " Transactions of the 
Society" would appear, in accordance with the resolution 
adopted by the Society. The Committee also stated that the 
Secretary had placed his books before them on inspection, and 
they were in a very satisfactory condition ; they commended his 
correctness and efficiency. 

Mr. J. J. Papy called for the report of the Committee on 
Photographs, but as the Chairman of said Committee was not 
present, moved that further time be granted them for their re- 
port. Granted. 

Mr. "Washburn gave notice that he would move to amend 
Section 2 of Article 7 of the By-Laws, so as to require ten 
negative votes to reject a candidate for membership in the 
Society — sustaining his proposed amendment, by relating the 
fact, that men of good standing in the community and one of 
them, the son of an old member, who would have done honor 
to the Society, had been rejected without any known cause and 
probably from the eficct of private animosity. 

Mr. S. Brannan, in seconding the motion of Mr. E. H. Wash- 
burn, suggested that the matter be acted on at the next regular 
meeting, as it would be establishing a dangerous precedent, to 
pass a resolution of so much importance without ample notice, 

Mr. F. A. Woodworth sustained the resolution, but Ihouccht 



90 REGULAR MEETING. 

tliat ten negatives would be too many, suggesting instead, two 
negatives, to every ten affirmatives — to reject. 

Dr. A. B. Stout sustained the motion, but thought the ballot 
should be differently conducted, proposing that each member 
sign his name to his ballot if in the negative, and that a Com- 
mittee be appointed by the Chair to ascertain the reasons for 
the rejection, and if not sufficient, report the facts to the Society. 

Mr. J. J. Papy protested against the plan of the voters sub- 
scribing their names to tlieir ballots ; he also thought five 
negatives sufficient for rejection. 

Mr. Papy gave notice that at the next meeting he would 
move that, in future, no name be withdrawn after being offered 
for candidature, but that all alike submit to the ballot. 

Mr. S. Brannan gave notice that he would move as an 
amendment to Mr. "Washburn's motion, that seven negatives 
rejecV instead of ten. 

Mr. Louis R. Lull moved that the several propositions be 
referred to a committee of three, to report at the next meeting. 

Mr. Smyth Clark moved to amend by making the committee 
of seven, instead of three ; accepted by the proposer. 

Mr. S. Brannan moved to amend, making the Committee 
consist of three, proposed by the Society and the Board of 
Directors. 

Question on Mr. Brannan's amendment. Division — ayes, 7; 
noes, 14. Lost. 

Question on Mr. Lull's motion, as amended by Mr. Smyth 
Clark. Division — ayes, 18 ; noes, 5. Carried. 

The Chair appointed as said committee : 

Louis R. Lull, Samuel Brannan, 

E. IL Washburn, J. J. Papy, 

A. B. Stout, S. S. Hayden, 

Jacob Shew. 

Messrs. Hayden and Stout Laving declined, the Chair ap- 
pointed Frederick A. Woodworth and Smyth Clark. 

Mr. Duncan stated that owing to the absence from the city 
of Mr. J. W. Winans, the amendments to the Constitution pro- 
posed by liim, would lie over until the next monthly meeting 
of the Society. 



REGULAE MEETING. 91 

Also, that owing to the absence of Mr. A. G. Randall, the 

amendments proposed by him, to the Constitution would lie 

over until the next monthly meeting. 

Mr Lonis R. Lull, Chairman of the Committee on Revision 

of the By-Laws ( section 4 of article 7 thereof) announced. 

that the Committee would meet at the Hall on the next day 

(Tuesday) at 3 o'clock, P. M. 

The Tellers appointed by the Chair, to count the ballots 

cast for candidates, having completed the canvass, announced 

the following result, viz : 

Elected — 22. 
Andrew Moon, J. S. Wallis, 

J. Clark Smith, Frank G. Easterby, 

J. S. Birge, Lewis Sohr, 

J. H. Miller, Juan A. Robinson, Sn., 

J. H. McNabb, Juan A. Robinson, Jn., 

Thomas B. Sherman, John Currcy, 

Fred'k. K. Krauth, Henry Van Ness, 

James W. Randall, J. D. G. K. Stevenot, 

Jules Valiant, Aristides Brand, 

A. B. Preston, Wm. J. Younger, 

J. G. Moore, H. M. Miller. 

Rejected, 1. 
The Chair announced that twenty-two candidates having 

obtained the requisite number of votes, were duly elected 

members of this society. 
On motion, adjourned. 

0. P. Sutton, Wm. L. Duncan, 

President, Secretary. 



SPECIAL MEETING. 

Tuesday, April 22, 1863. 

Vice-President Jos. W. Winans in the Chair. 

The Chair after calling the meeting to order, announced 
that the object of the meeting was to pay suitable respect 
to their late esteemed fellow member, J. W. Osborne, a man 



92 SHBCIAL MEETING. 

esteemed alike liiglily by tlic Society, and the community at 
large, and proceeded to deliver a brief eulogy upon the public 
and private virtues of the deceased. 

Mr. J. J. Papy also addressed tlic meeting, dwelling upon 
the important improvements in Agriculture and Horticulture, 
whicli the state owed to the writings and practical example of 
lSh\ Osborne, ending by moving, that a Committee of three be 
appointed to draft ap])ropriate resolutions. 

Mr. W. L. Duncan moved as an amendment, that the Chair 
be added to said Committee. Accepted. 

Question on Mr. Papy's motion as amended. Carried. 

The Chair appointed Messrs. J. J. Papy, George H. Ensign, 
A. D. Piper. 

During the absence of Mv. Winans with the Committee, 
Mr. W. K. Van Alen, was called to the chair. 

The Committee on Resolutions, after a brief recess returned 
to the reading room and reported as follows, viz : 

Whereas, J. AV. Osborne, our late colleague and compan- 
ion, has been ruthlessly stricken down in the prime of his 
years, and the pride of his energy, by the hand of violence ; 
and, whereas, in public life, by a long careeer of usefulness, 
by the vigor of a nervous pen, by close connection with the 
earliest fortunes of this rising State, and by unremitted efforts 
to develop and improve her resources of agriculture and of 
commerce, he has merited and won an enduring reputation ; 
and, whereas, he was no less memorable for his private excel- 
lence than for his public worth, and in all the social walks of 
life by the grace of his converse, the urbanity of his deport- 
ment, and the warmth of his friendship, was held by all who 
knew him, whether as a comrade or a citizen, in their most 
endeared regard ; and, whereas, througli all the ties of family 
and lineage he illustrated the beauty of domestic virtue, and 
as the tender husband, the devoted father, and the faithful 
kinsman, lent a new and holier sanctity unto the household 
altar : Therefore, 

Resolved, That in his departure tlie members of our Order 
have sustained a misfortune alike unexpected and irreparable, 
and realize and mourn a common loss in their privation of his 



SPECIAL MEETfXa. 93 

social excellence, attractive intercourse, and manly character. 
And though his cheerful accents are hushed in the silence, and 
his bright smile shrouded in the sliadows of tlic tomb, they 
will evermore remain embalmed in memory. 

Resolved, That those sad visitations, of whicli our recent 
history is rife, as they severally penetrate our ranks, remove 
one by one the links of tliat iron, yet contracting chain, which 
binds the western empire to the traditions of its ciders and 
the achicvments of its pioneers. 

Resolved, That in liim who has gone the arts have lost a 
patron, and the State a benefactor, whose entcrprizc and in- 
domitable zeal, when just about to roach the fruition of a 
grand success, wlierc suddenly arrested by "that grim sergeant, 
death." 

Resolved, Tiiat we deeply sympathize with his family in 
their affliction, and point his striken helpmate and ()r})liuucd 
children to the consolation that He who in his inscrutable 
design hath permitted this bereavement, "tempers the wind to 
the shorn lamb," and protects with more than human care the 
widow and the fatherless. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions 1)0 transmitted to 
the relatives of deceased, and the usual badge of mourning be 
worn by this Society for thirty days. 

On motion of Mr. W. L. Duncan, the above resolutions 
were unanimously adopted, and ordered to be entered upon 
the minutes of the Society. 

On motion, adjourned. 

0. P. Sutton, Wm, L. Duncan, 

President. Secretary. 



Note. — Mr. Osborne was killed by a iniin naind Brittain, formerly ia his em- 
ploy, who as shown by the evidence before the committing Magistrate went to 
his house armed, and aft<;r a conversation in the orchard near the house shot 
bim, firing one barrel of his revolver, while Mr. Osliorne was standing with 
his thumbs in the arm holes of his waistcoat. Ue fired two other shots as he 
fell. The first ball went through the heart. 



REGULArx MONTHLY MEETING. 

May 4th, 18G3. 

The President, 0. P. Sutton, in the Chair. 
The Minutes of the last Regular and Special Meetings were 
read and approved. 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 

The Committee on Publication made the following Report : 

Mr. President — The Publication Committee in its researches 
through the records of the Society, discover that the minutes 
contain no note of any formal adoption by the Society of the 
Seal it now uses and attaches to its documents. It is known 
that the Seal now used was procured by the Secretary of the 
Society, Mr. Low, in 1853. 

The books show an entry of $50 paid Mr. Classen for the 
Seal, in November, A. D. 1853. It has been proved that the 
said Seal was executed about that time by Mr. Kiiner, and is 
identical with the one now used. The Wax Seal accompaning 
this report was taken at that time, and preserved among the 
seals of Mr. Kiiner, who has kindly loaned it to the Committee. 
Seal No. 3 is taken from the Certificate of Membership of the 
Society. 

The original sketch for a seal was made by Mr. Nahl, in 
1853, as the Committee believe ; but the seal on the Certificate 
of Mr. Nahl has been altered and improved in many particu- 
lars by that artist. Seal No. 4 is that which is given as the 
Seal of the Society in the Annals of San Francisco. 

The Seal, as improved by Mr. Nahl, and given on the Certi- 
ficate of the Society, is by far tlie best. If adopted as the 
legal Seal of the Society, it will be necessary to have a new 
one cut in brass, for the purpose of stamping the documents of 
the Society which may require its Seal. 

As the matter noAv stands, the Society does not possess a 
seal which appears on record as having been formally adopted 



REGULAR MEETING. 95 

by the Society, and which, in any case of legal doubt or inquiry, 
can be referred to and proved to be its seal. 

A decision upon the subject at the present meeting would be 
highly desirable. 

Very respectfully submitted. 

Signed, Arthur B. Stout, 



John 0. Earl, 
Albert G. Randall. 



San Francisco, May 3, 1863. 



On motion of Mr. J. W. Winans, the report was accepted. 

Mr. Papy, from Committee on By-Laws, asked for further 
time in consequence of the absence of the Chairman. Granted. 

The Chair announced the reception of a letter from James 
Lick, which was read aloud by the Secretary, as follows : 

Lick Mills, Santa Clara Countv, ) 
April 30, 1863. j 
Sir : It is with infinite pleasure I acknowledge the receipt of 
your favor of the 9th of March, ultimo, accompanied with the 
formal Certificate of Life Membership of the California Pio- 
neers. Also, two books, one containing the Inaugural Address, 
and the otlier an account of the ceremonies which took place 
at the laying of the Corner-Stone, 

I feel flattered at the honor you have conferred upon me, 
and would beg through yourself, the President, to present to 
the members of the Society my most grateful acknowledge- 
ments for the compliment. 

I remain, with sentiments of the highest consideration. 
Your most obedient servant, 

JAMES LICK. 
0. P. Sutton, Esq., 

President Pioneer Society, San Francisco. 

On motion of Mr. J. W. Winans, 

Resolved, That the letter be entered upon the minutes of the 
Society. 

Mr. W. B. Farwell moved that the Seal as given on the Cer- 
tificate of Mr. Nahl, be adopted as the Seal of the Society, and 



90 REGULAR MEETING. 

that the Secretary be authorized to .have one made of that 
design. 

Mr. Winans seconded the motion, calling attention to the 
fact that the seal now in use was made at an early day, and is 
more imperfect than the one now on the Society's certificates. 
— Carried. 

On motion of Mr. J. W. "Winans, 

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the Chair 
to procure contributions among the members of the Society to 
the " Osborne Fund," now being raised for the family of Mr, J. 
W. Osborne, our late fellow-member. Carried. 

The Chair appointed Messrs. J. W. Winans, John 0. Earl, 
W. B. Farvvell, J. H. Turney and Wm. L. Duncan. 

Mr. J. W. Winans called up the proposed amendments to 
Article I of the Constitution, of which he had given the 
notice required, at ihe meeting of February 3, 18G3. 

The Secretary read the article as amended, from tlie written 
notice on the bulletin board, and after counting the number of 
members present, announced that the number required to vote 
on amendments to the Constitution were present — over thirty. 

The debate on the amendments was of a most animated and 
interesting cliaracter, being i)articipated in by Messrs. Winans, 
Farwell, Papy and others, on the affirmative side, and Messrs. 
Washburn, Abell, Barstow, Stout, and otliers, on the negative, 
and elicited several forcible and eloquent addresses. 

Question called, Mr. Papy moved that the vote be taken by 
sections. 

Mr. Farwell asked, could the vote be taken on any other 
than the whole question ? 

Mv. Winans moved that the vote be taken by roll-call of the 
members present. 

Mr. Holland asked if an amendment would be in order. 

The Chair ruled that it would, if it did not change the na- 
ture of the proposed original amendment. 

Mr. Holland stated his intention to be to strike out " charita- 
ble purposes," and insert "' historical purposes." 

After a short debate the amendment was withdrawn. 

The Chair announced that the vote would be taken by roll- 



REGULAR MEETING. 97 

call, each member present voting as his name would be called. 
The Secretary then called the names of those present : 

G. G. Hayden Yes A.M. Chapclle Yes 

S. R. Harris Yes E, H. Washburn No 

N. Holland Yes A. B. Stout Xo 

A. Y. Easterby Yes S. Brannan Yes 

C. H. Harrison Yes J. J. Parcclls Yes 

C. R. Bond Yes J. H. Miller Yes 

E. G. Moreto Yes W. B. Farwell Yes 

Wm. Ford Yes A. Barstow.No chang'd to Yes 

J. J. Papy Yes R. J. Tiffany Yes 

G. E. Schenck Yes R. C. Moore Yes 

George Peck Yes J. E. de la Montagnie . . . Yes 

H. W. May , Yes Hazen Kimball Yes 

A. G. Randall Yes J. W. Winans Yes 

A. D. Piper. Yes C. T. Stumcke Yes 

M. S. Whiting Yes G. Webster Yes 

W.L.Duncan Yes O.P.Sutton Yes 

A. G. Abell No 

Yeas, 28 ; noes, 5. Carried. 

Mr. Barstow gave notice (during the voting) that at the next 
meeting he would move to reconsider. 

Mr. S. Brannan, Mr. J. J. Papy and Mr. M. S. Whiting, at 
the close of the voting, each moved to reconsider. 

The Chair ruled that each was out of order. 

Mr. Barstow, at the close of the voting, gave notice that he 
would move, at the next meeting, to reconsider. 

Mr. Randall moved an appeal from the decision of the Chair. 

Mr. Farwell spoke in favor of the appeal. 

Mr. Washburn spoke in opposition to it. 

The Chair ruled that the notice of Mr. Barstow was cor- 
rectly given. , 

Debate on the appeal, and question generally. 

On motion of Mr. S. Brannan, adjourned to meet to-morrow, 
Tuesday, evening, at Tj o'clock. 

0. P. Sutton, W. L. Duncan, 

7 President. Secretary. 



ADJOURNED MEETING. 
Tuesday, May 5, 18G3. 

The President, 0. P. Sutton, in the Chair. 

The minutes of Monday's meeting were read and after 
amendment approved. 

The Committee on revision of tlic By-Laws, through their 
Chairman, Mr. Lull, made the following report : 

Mr. President — The Committee appointed to amend the 
Constitution and By-Laws in regard to the election and quali- 
fication of members of this Society, beg leave to report, that 
they have had the subject under consideration, and recommend 
the following amendments : 

Amend Article III, of the Constitution, by striking out in 
the sixth line the words " one year" and inserting " three 
months." 

Amend the fourth subdivision of Sectiau YII, of the By- 
Laws, by striking out in the fifth and sixth lines the words 
" three negative voles shall reject." Insert in the eighth line, 
after the word " affirmation," the words " and one-sixth of the 
votes cast being in the negative, the candidate shall be re- 
jected." Strike out the word " and " after the word " affirma- 
tion" in the eio-hth line. 

Louis R. Lull, J. J. Papy, 

S. Brannan, E. H. Washburn, 

J. Shew, F. A. WooDwoRTHr 

'' W. H. Clark. 

Mr. J. W. Winans moved that the report be accepted, and 
the notice required be authorized, as to amendments to Article 
III of the Constitution. Carried. 

Mr. Lull moved that that portion of the report relative to 
the By-Laws be acted on now. 

Debate on the motion. 



ADJOUENED MEETING. 99 

The Chair ruled tliat this being an adjourned meeting from 
the regular monthly one, the motion could not be acted on. 

Question called. 

Mr. J. W. Winans moved that action on the motion be post- 
poned until the next monthly meeting. 

Ayes, 23 ; noes, 5. Carried 

Question on motion of Mr. Lull, as amended : 

Yeas, 28 ; noes, 4. Carried. 

ELECTION OF MEMBERS. 

The Chair appointed as Tellers, Messrs. G. G. Hay den and 
D. C. McCarthy. 

Mr. Lull moved to reconsider the vote taken at the last 
meeting, on the amendments to Article I. of the Constitution. 

Debate — Messrs. "Washburn, Stout, and others, in the affirm- 
ative, and Messrs. Lull, Papy, Winans and others, in the nega- 
tive, on the subject generally. 

The Chair ruled that the vote would be by roll-call ; and 
on the Secretary calling the names of those members present, 
the following result was obtained : 

G.Webster No Wm. R. Wheaton 

A. G. Randall No Wm. B. Cook Yes 

J. 0. Earl Yes C. H. Harrison No 

A.B. Stout Yes J.H.Miller No 

Hazen Kimball No J. H. Widber 

C.T. Stumcke No J. H. Turney Yes 

E. H. Washburn No A. D. Piper Yes 

G. E. Schenck No J. J. Parcells No 

J. J. Papy No E. G. Morcto No 

R. J. Tiffany No Wm. H. Brown No 

Robert Reed No H. W. May No 

Wm. H.Clark Yes G. G. Hayden No 

H.E.Robinson -..Yes D. C. McCarthy .Yes 

J. W. Winans No P. A. Roach No 

George Peck No W. B. Farwell No 

J. C. Robinson No D. V. B. Henarie No 

E. Morris Earl J. P. Leese Yes 

P. J. Reilly Yes John Heron No 

Smyth Clark No J. H. Cutter Yes 

F. C. Gummer Yes O. P. Sutton No 

C. A. C. Duisenberg No Wm. L. Duncan No 

Ayes, 11 ; noes, 28 ; not voting, 3. Lost. 



100 ADJOURNED MEETING. 

Mr. A. G. Randall called up his proposed amendment to 
Article V. of the Constitution, to add to the list of officers a 
Marshal. 

Mr. Turncy moved to lay it on the table. 

The Secretary read portions of a letter from Mr. Randall, 
giving his reasons for urging the passage of the amendment. 
Mr. R. added, that he thought he had shown conclusively that 
the amendment should be adopted, and that he should not 
speak further in favor of it, unless it could be shown that the 
office of Marshal in the Society was unnecessary. 

Mr. R. J. Tiffany deprecated the practice of treating with 
ridicule, motions or remarks in their favor, made during meet- 
ings of this Society. He urged that any member, addressing 
the Chair during debate, should be treated with respect and 
courtesy. [Applause.] 

Debate on Mr. Randall's amendment ; Messrs. Randall, 
Papy, and others, in the affirmative. 

Question on Mr. Turncy 's motion to lay on the table. — Lost, 

Mr. Papy moved the adoption of Mr. Randall's amendment. 

Mr. W. R. "Wheaton suggested that the ayes and noes be 
called to agree with the requirements of the Constitution. 

Debate thereon by Messrs. Wheaton, Washburn and Farwell. 

The Chair ruled that the vote could be taken by the mem- 
bers rising from their places and the Secretary counting. 

Question on Mr. Papy's motion : Ayes, 30 ; noes, 11. — 
Carried. 

Article V. of the Constitution as amended, stands as follows : 

" The officers of this Society shall consist of a President, 
five Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Marshal, and 
a Board of Directors, to consist of seven members, all of whom 
except three of the Vice-Presidents, shall be residents of the 
City of San Francisco." 

The Tellers of tlie ballot for new n:iembers announced the 
following result, viz : 

Elected — 13. 

J. Granville Doll, Charles S. Capp, 

Charles IT. St. John, Rudolph Jordan, 

James Anthony, John Gardiner, 



ADJOURNED MEETING. 101 

Andrew Hunter, J. W. Owen, 

M. W. Lee, Henry G. Adams, 

George A. Johnson, B. W" Mudge, 

George C. Potter. 
Withdrawn — Charles H. Earl. 

The Chair announced the thirteen first named gentlemen 
duly elected, and members of the Society. 

Mr. E. Morris Earl stated tliat his son, Charles H. Earl, 
when graduating at College, inscribed his name as being of 
California ; that being assured by the Secretary of his eligibil- 
ity as a member, he had him proposed as a candidate, and felt 
highly gratified by the large vote he had received ; but he did 
not wish to violate the Constitution, and if on examination 
the President and members thought his son not eligible, he 
begged them to withdraw his name. 

After a debate, participated in by Messrs. Piper, J. H. Cut- 
ter, Stout, Winans, Duncan, Lull and others, during which all 
expressed themselves desirous to receive Mr. Earl into mem- 
bership, if not in conflict with the spirit of the Constitution. 

Mr. Papy moved that the election be made unanimous. 

Mr. Lull moved that the matter be referred to the Board of 
Directors. Carried. 

The Chair appointed as the Visiting Committee, under the 
resolutions of S. R. Harris, introduced and passed on the 2d 
of February, 1863 : 

S. R. Harris, H. Kimball, 

Annis Merrill, N. Holland. 

C. H. Harrison. 
On motion, adjourned. 
0. P. Sutton, W. L. Duncan. 

President. Secretary. 



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